Overview:
Congressional Republicans are set to introduce a bill to revoke the NEA’s federal charter, accusing the nation’s largest teachers union of pushing a partisan agenda instead of supporting educators.
If two Congressional Republicans have their way, the NEA, the largest labor union in the United States, will no longer have congressional ties.
In a bill to be introduced tomorrow, Wednesday, July 16, Republicans Rep. Mark Harris of North Carolina and Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee will introduce the National Education Association Charter Repeal Act in their respective chambers, aiming to sever the union from its congressional ties, a congressional aide told the Caller. If the bill is successful, it would eliminate congressional ties and eliminate property tax exemptions for the NEA.
Founded in 1857, the NEA received its charter from Congress in 1906 and now represents over 3 million educators across the nation. The NEA gets the majority of its funds from member dues and is not supported by the federal government.
However, according to both Harris and Blackburn, they have stated that the NEA has abandoned its mission “to support America’s teachers and strengthened our schools” in favor of a “radical agenda,” as noted in a statement.
“From branding President Trump a fascist to embracing divisive gender ideology and walking away from efforts to fight antisemitism, the NEA has become nothing more than a partisan advocacy group,” the representative continued. “Since the NEA is clearly not prioritizing students, parents or even teachers, it’s time to remove Congress’ seal of approval from this rogue organization.”
The federal charter formalized the NEA’s status as a nonprofit organization under federal statute and with a purpose acknowledged by the government.
This is not the first time Blackburn has introduced a bill to revoke the charter of the NEA. Back in 2022, but it lacked traction and stalled in committee.
