Protecting Taxpayers’ Wallets Act of 2025
Protecting Taxpayers’ Wallets Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Protecting Taxpayers' Wallets Act of 2025 – Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would require federal labor unions to reimburse their employers (federal agencies) for the time and resources their representatives use for union activities during work hours. Agencies would calculate fees based on the salary costs of union representatives' time spent on union business and the cost of agency resources like office space, equipment, and parking used for union purposes. If a union doesn't pay within 90 days of receiving a bill, the agency could stop providing time and resources to the union and wouldn't be subject to typical labor dispute procedures (like grievances or arbitration). **Who it affects:** This primarily affects federal government employees who are union members, federal agencies that employ them, and labor unions that represent federal workers.
It could also indirectly impact union operations and employee protections. **Current status:** The bill (S 511) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full Senate. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Protecting Taxpayers’ Wallets Act of 2025This bill requires labor unions representing federal agency employees to pay agencies for resources and official time they use for union activities.The bill directs federal agencies to charge unions a fee for using agency resources that is based on (1) the value of time spent by union representatives on union activities rather than agency business, and (2) the value of resources provided by the agency related to these activities, such as parking spaces and equipment. Agencies must track the amount of time union representatives use for union purposes and discipline representatives who fail to properly record such time.If a union has not paid in full by 90 days following a notice of the fee, the agency (1) may not provide further time or resources to the union until it is paid in full; and (2) is not subject to grievance procedures, binding arbitration, or unfair labor practice complaints or proceedings by the union. Further, an agency must notify a union and the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) when a union's unpaid balance has been outstanding for 365 days and, on the 380th day, the FLRA must terminate the union's certification as the exclusive representative of employees of the agency.The bill requires each agency's Office of Inspector General to periodically report on agency and union compliance with the bill's requirements.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.