Republicans Team Up To Derail Trump
House Republicans were thrown into turmoil Tuesday after a bloc of centrist and populist lawmakers unexpectedly blocked a series of GOP labor bills, exposing deep divisions within the conference and dealing another setback to Speaker Mike Johnson as the 2026 midterm elections draw closer.
The House had been set to vote on three Republican-backed proposals aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on employers—measures leadership believed would sail through a chamber where Republicans traditionally support deregulation and pro-business reforms. Instead, the effort collapsed on the House floor, highlighting how difficult it has become to govern with a razor-thin majority.
The breakdown began when the first bill failed to advance after six Republicans joined Democrats in voting it down. The proposal would have changed how work hours are calculated by excluding certain voluntary training sessions from paid time. With Republicans holding only a narrow edge in the House, even a small revolt was enough to derail the legislation.
GOP leaders kept the vote open for more than 45 minutes in a last-ditch attempt to flip the holdouts, but the effort failed. Shortly afterward, leadership scrapped plans to bring two additional labor bills to a vote, signaling broader concern about internal resistance.
One of the pulled measures would have changed how overtime pay is calculated by excluding the value of employer-provided child care or elder care benefits. Another proposal sought to revise the legal definition of tipped employees, a sensitive issue for workers already struggling with rising living costs and economic uncertainty.
Speaker Johnson attempted to downplay the setback, stressing that governing with a small majority presents ongoing challenges. He said leadership would continue working with members to address concerns and bring the legislation back to the floor.
Supporters of the bills argued they were designed to cut red tape and give businesses more flexibility without harming workers. However, critics within the GOP warned the proposals could unintentionally open the door to unpaid labor or increased pressure on hourly workers—concerns that resonate strongly with voters who rely on steady paychecks to cover everyday expenses.
Several of the Republicans who opposed Tuesday’s bills also expressed skepticism about another business-focused proposal scheduled for later in the week, which would redefine when companies are considered joint employers. Labor advocates argue such changes could allow large corporations to shield themselves from responsibility, while supporters say the reform would protect small businesses from excessive liability.
The internal revolt is the latest sign of mounting challenges for House Republican leadership as the party heads into a high-stakes election cycle with control of the chamber on the line. In recent weeks, moderate Republicans have already bucked leadership by supporting procedural moves forcing votes on health care, labor, and high-profile investigations.
Tuesday’s dramatic floor defeat underscores a growing reality on Capitol Hill: even bills designed primarily to send a political message can struggle to pass when party unity breaks down. With voters focused on inflation, wages, and economic stability, Republican leaders face increasing pressure to balance pro-business reforms with protections for working Americans.
