Oregon congresswoman introduces Stop Musk Act to protect federal employees

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – Amid the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle some federal agencies, with help from Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, an Oregon congresswoman is hoping to protect federal workers from retaliation by the administration.

Rep. Maxine Dexter (OR-03) introduced the Stop Musk Act on February 5, which would ban retaliation “against any federal employee who stops, or attempts to stop, unlawful or unconstitutional actions by Elon Musk against federal agencies, and for other purposes,” the bill states.

The bill comes after Musk and DOGE gained access to the United States Department of Treasury’s payment system , implemented forced leave for some U.S. Agency for International Development staffers, and the Trump administration fired more than a dozen inspectors general as DOGE looks to slash federal spending and the workforce.

“The world’s richest man should not have the power to unilaterally dismantle the federal government and the critical services it provides Oregonians. Federal employees are at the forefront of fighting Elon Musk’s power grab, and we must protect them,” Dexter said in a statement.

In an interview with KOIN 6 News on Tuesday, Dexter said she has been hearing from thousands of federal workers in Oregon who are concerned about cuts to federal agencies.

“There’s thousands of federal employees in Oregon,” the representative said, adding, “they are very concerned about their jobs and absolutely they are reaching out.”

DON’T MISS: Justice Dept. official accuses FBI chief of ‘insubordination,’ tamps down talk of revenge on agents

So far, the bill has support from local chapters of the National Treasury Employees Union and the American Federation of Government Employees.

In a statement provided to KOIN 6 News, NTEU Chapter 40 President Elizabeth O’Neal said, “I applaud Congresswoman Dexter’s support and protection of federal employees against attacks from the current administration. Federal employees are your friends, families, and neighbors who are trying to take care of their families, without the constant threat of being terminated without cause, fear of reprisal and now to have our private pay information in the hands of non-government entities to do with as they wish adds insult to injury. I call on and encourage all members of Congress to stand with Congresswoman Dexter to protect and support Federal Employees.”

As a first-term Congresswoman, Rep. Dexter didn’t imagine this would be the first bill she would introduce in the House, noting, “it shouldn’t be necessary” to create a bill that shields federal employees from retaliation.

Oregon Lottery warns of unclaimed winning Powerball tickets expiring soon

“This is not just about this bill,” Dexter said. “This is about Americans fighting this out, hopefully for a positive outcome in the courts, in Congress and in the public sphere, where people’s voices have meaningful impact.”

On Tuesday, Musk defended DOGE’s work alongside President Trump in the Oval Office, as reported by The Hill .

Reinstallation of Thompson Elk Fountain delayed to end of 2025

“The people voted for major government reform and that’s what the people are going to get,” Musk said. “That’s what democracy is all about.”

Musk explained there are good people in the federal bureaucracy, but said they need to be held accountable, The Hill reports, noting Musk referred to the bureaucracy as an “‘unelected’” fourth branch of government that has “‘more power than any elected representative.’”

Meanwhile, President Trump and Musk have been pushing for federal workers to leave their jobs, with the administration offering a buyout to some federal employees, allowing them to quit and still get paid until Sept. 30.