House GOP Committee Seeks Financial Records from Five Major Unions Over Political Spending

The Republican-led House Committee on Education and Workforce has asked five large labor unions for detailed financial documents, alleging they used dues to fund Democratic candidates and lavish expenses.

The House Committee on Education and Workforce, chaired by Rep. Tim Walberg, issued subpoenas for financial records from five of the nation’s biggest labor unions, citing concerns that union leaders diverted member dues to back Democratic candidates and costly perks. The letters, covering the period from January 2023 onward, request data on political donations, lobbying activities, executive compensation, travel, entertainment, conference costs and any disbursements to spouses, family members or political allies.

The committee highlights a perceived gap between union leadership’s spending and the growing Republican lean of many rank-and-file workers. Unions were given deadlines in mid-August to comply, with the UAW receiving a separate later date. Walberg emphasized that the inquiry is oversight, not partisan, and any evidence of wrongdoing could be forwarded to the Justice Department. Responses will inform whether new transparency rules or legislative changes are needed to protect workers from unwanted political spending.