U.S. Republicans investigate major labor unions over political funding

Republican lawmakers are expanding investigations into several major United States labor unions ahead of the November legislative elections. The House Committee on Education and the Workforce is examining allegations that these organizations have improperly used member contributions to fund political activities benefiting the Democratic Party.

The investigation relies on reports from conservative groups, including the American Accountability Foundation (AAF) and the Freedom Foundation. Under U.S. law, while unions may engage in political advocacy, they are prohibited from using regular member dues to directly finance candidates or political action committees (PACs); however, members may make voluntary contributions to political funds.

Targeted entities include the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the United Auto Workers (UAW), the United Steelworkers (USW), the SMART Transport Division (SMART-TD), the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWED).