Terminating Education Association Congressional Handouts Act; TEACH Act
Summary
The Terminating Education Association Congressional Handouts Act (TEACH Act) aims to prohibit the National Education Association (NEA) from engaging in lobbying activities. It amends Title 36 of the United States Code, adding a section that explicitly forbids the NEA from lobbying, as defined by the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. The bill requires the NEA to submit an annual certification to the Secretary of Education, assuring compliance, and maintain records for auditing purposes.
The penalty for violating this prohibition would be the termination of the NEA's status as a federally chartered corporation. This act seeks to limit the NEA's influence on legislative matters by restricting its ability to lobby.
The bill was introduced in the Senate by Mrs. Blackburn and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the TEACH Act would significantly curtail the NEA's ability to directly influence federal legislation through lobbying. This could lead to a shift in the landscape of education policy advocacy.
The NEA would need to cease all lobbying activities or risk losing its federal charter. Other organizations might see this as a precedent and adjust their lobbying strategies accordingly.
The change could impact the NEA's ability to advocate for its members' interests and influence education-related legislation.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce the influence of special interest groups on education policy.
- May lead to a more level playing field for other education stakeholders.
- Could free up NEA resources for other activities, such as direct support for teachers.
- Might decrease the perception of undue influence by a single organization.
- Could encourage a broader range of voices in education policy discussions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could limit the NEA's ability to advocate for its members and the education profession.
- May reduce the flow of information and expertise from the NEA to policymakers.
- Could be seen as an infringement on the NEA's right to free speech and petition the government.
- Might lead to the NEA seeking alternative avenues for influencing policy, which may be less transparent.
- Could set a precedent for restricting the lobbying activities of other organizations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is debatable. While Congress has the power to regulate organizations it charters, restricting lobbying activities could be viewed as infringing upon the NEA's First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
However, the government could argue that the restriction is a reasonable condition for maintaining a federal charter. The First Amendment states, "Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
The courts would likely weigh the government's interest in regulating lobbying against the NEA's right to advocate for its interests.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).