Springfield Standard

The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has advanced H.R. 2174, known as the Paycheck Protection Act. This legislation aims to end automatic paycheck deductions for union dues, fees, and political contributions from federal employees' salaries. The bill is designed to give federal workers control over their earnings by allowing them to make these payments voluntarily.

Representative Burlison stated, "The government takes money from federal workers' paychecks for union dues, even if the workers disagree with how the money’s used, and the taxpayers are on the hook for the administrative costs." He emphasized that individuals who wish to pay union dues should do so directly.

H.R. 2174 proposes amendments to Title 5 and Title 39 of the U.S. Code, prohibiting federal agencies and the U.S. Postal Service from automatically deducting labor union-related payments from employees' wages. The bill highlights three main provisions: restoring worker choice by allowing employees to decide their contributions to unions; ending taxpayer-funded union collection services; and promoting transparency by giving workers more control over their earnings.

"This is about protecting paychecks and ensuring that every dollar a worker earns is their decision to spend—not a decision made for them," added Burlison.

The bill will now proceed to the House floor for further consideration. It has received co-sponsorship from Representatives Mary Miller and Nancy Mace, as well as support from various groups including the Institute for the American Worker, Heritage Action for America, Americans for Tax Reform, Americans for Prosperity, Freedom Foundation, and Mackinac Center for Public Policy.