The Sneaky Way Government Unions Rake in Taxpayer Money, and How Congress Can Fight It in Reconciliation

 The article discusses how government unions use taxpayer funds for activities unrelated to public service. It portrays efforts by some Congress members to address this issue, particularly through the practice of "official time. "

1. Official Time Practice: Public-sector unions use "official time" to allow government employees to conduct union business while being paid by taxpayers. This practice has faced criticism from various lawmakers.

2. Congressional Actions: Some Congress members, including Rep. Ben Cline and Sen. Mike Lee, propose taxing or banning official time to prevent misuse of taxpayer money. Cline emphasizes the need for accountability in federal spending.

3. Legislative Challenges: Proposed bills to eliminate official time may face difficulties due to the need for a 60-vote threshold in the Senate, but using budget reconciliation could allow for a simpler majority vote on tax-related changes.

4. Bipartisan Support: Senators, including Ted Cruz and Rick Scott, express support for ending official time, arguing that federal workers should focus on their duties and not union activities during work hours.

5. Budget Reconciliation Potential: Experts suggest that instead of outright banning official time, imposing a tax on it might successfully pass through Congress using budget reconciliation.

6. Biden Administration Response: The Biden administration stopped publishing reports on official time usage, drawing criticism for lacking transparency. Lawmakers seek to reinstate these reports to better inform the public about union activities funded by taxpayers.

7. Public Sector Union Dynamics: The article highlights the disparity between union membership in the public and private sectors and critiques the current state of public sector unions for prioritizing their interests over taxpayer accountability.

There are ongoing efforts in Congress to reform the practice of official time that allows government unions to utilize taxpayer dollars for union activities. Some lawmakers advocate for accountability through taxation while acknowledging the challenges in completely banning the practice. Transparency in government spending remains a focal point, especially regarding union-related expenditures. 

https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/02/23/sneaky-way-government-unions-rake-taxpayer-money-how-congress-can-fight-reconciliation/