Legislative Efforts Target the National Education Association
U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, has intensified her efforts to curtail the influence of the National Education Association (NEA), the country’s oldest and largest teachers’ union. Following the introduction of legislation in July to revoke the NEA’s congressional charter, Blackburn has introduced another bill aimed at limiting the organization's ability to impact federal government decisions.
The new bill, titled the Terminating Education Association Congressional Handouts (TEACH) Act, seeks to prohibit the NEA from engaging in lobbying activities. Under this proposal, the union would be required to submit an annual certification to the Secretary of Education confirming that it is not involved in any lobbying efforts. This move comes amid significant changes in the American public education landscape, including legal disputes over federal funding for schools and a recent Supreme Court decision that allowed the Trump administration to lay off over 1,300 Department of Education employees.
Blackburn has criticized the NEA for shifting away from its original mission of supporting teachers and students, accusing the organization of promoting a far-left political agenda. She claims the NEA has become a radical-left activist group that spreads "woke gender ideology," antisemitism, and propaganda among students.
The History and Status of Congressionally Chartered Organizations
The NEA is one of approximately 90 congressionally chartered organizations in the United States, which also include groups like the American Red Cross, the Boy Scouts of America, and the American Legion. Established in 1906, the NEA is unique as the only labor union with such a charter. These organizations are typically granted a formal recognition by Congress, which allows them to fundraise more effectively but does not provide additional privileges beyond that.
The debate over whether these organizations should have the right to lobby has been ongoing. While most Title 36 corporations retain their rights as nonprofits, some have self-imposed restrictions on political activity. For example, AMVETS' charter explicitly prohibits the organization from supporting or contributing to political parties or candidates.
There have been past attempts to modify the charters of such organizations. In 2008, former Rep. James P. Moran (D-Virginia) introduced legislation to remove a ban on political activity from the Gold Star Wives organization, arguing that the restriction hindered the group’s advocacy for military families. However, the bill was never enacted.
Ongoing Controversy Over Congressional Charters
Congressional charters have long been a subject of debate, particularly regarding whether they imply governmental endorsement. In 1989, a House Judiciary Committee subcommittee imposed a freeze on granting new charters, though this moratorium was later lifted for certain organizations. The subcommittee also considered legislation that would have given the Attorney General broad powers to oversee and terminate chartered organizations, but the proposal was ultimately rejected due to concerns about restricting political activity.
The discussion around these charters continues, with some arguing that they allow organizations to maintain independence while others believe they grant undue influence. The NEA’s case highlights the broader tensions between the role of such organizations in public policy and the need for accountability.
Responses from the National Education Association
In response to Blackburn’s latest legislative efforts, the NEA has emphasized the importance of educators having a voice in advocating for better learning conditions and student welfare. A spokesperson for the NEA stated that politicians are attempting to silence educators and limit their ability to support students.
“We work to inspire our students and keep them safe,” the spokesperson said. “We deliver nutritious meals and ensure students have clean and healthy learning environments, and we partner with parents and families to empower students to reach their dreams.”
The NEA remains committed to representing educators and advocating for the needs of students and communities. Despite the challenges posed by recent legislative proposals, the union has pledged to continue its mission of supporting the educational system.
Additional Legislative Actions Against the NEA
Blackburn’s TEACH Act is not the first piece of legislation targeting the NEA this year. Earlier in the year, U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wisconsin) and Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) introduced a bill that sought to restructure the NEA’s federal charter. This proposal included measures to prevent the union from calling for strikes, require all members to be U.S. citizens, and prohibit the union from promoting critical race theory concepts.
These legislative actions reflect a growing trend of scrutiny toward the NEA and other organizations with congressional charters. As debates over the role of such entities continue, the future of the NEA’s influence on education policy remains uncertain.