New data reveals NASA spent nearly $900,000 on taxpayer-funded union time in the last fiscal year – more than double the initial report. This significant increase, uncovered by Senator Joni Ernst’s office, raises concerns about government spending and the allocation of taxpayer dollars. The original figure of $417,798 has been revised to a staggering $893,620, prompting outrage from Senator Ernst, who calls the practice “absurd.” She argues that federal employees should prioritize serving the American people, not themselves.
This isn’t the first time NASA’s union time expenses have been questioned. In 2023, the agency initially reported $477,204, but the updated figure now stands at $636,189. This escalating cost comes at a time when NASA’s budget actually decreased from $25.4 billion in 2023 to $24.88 billion in 2024. The discrepancy raises questions about accountability and efficient resource management within the agency.
Taxpayer-funded union time encompasses various activities, including labor meetings, union-sponsored training, collective bargaining preparations, and assistance for employees facing disciplinary actions. However, federal law restricts unions from negotiating pay and benefits; their focus instead shifts to smaller workplace issues. Experts like Rachel Greszler of the Heritage Foundation point out the often trivial nature of these negotiations, citing examples such as cubicle panel height, designated smoking areas, and even Spandex attire policies. The seemingly disproportionate expenditure on these minor issues has sparked criticism.
The number of NASA employees utilizing taxpayer-funded union time also increased from 43 in 2023 (6,588.5 hours) to 49 in 2024 (8,780.25 hours). The agency is covered by two major federal unions: the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers and the American Federation of Government Employees. While NASA maintains compliance with federal law, Senator Ernst, who chairs the Senate DOGE Caucus, continues to push for an end to this practice, having requested data from 24 government agencies. The Defense Health Agency reported the largest expenditure so far, at $3.3 million. The Office of Personnel Management, which previously collected comprehensive data on this issue, ceased doing so after 2019. In 2019 alone, the entire federal government spent at least $135 million on taxpayer-funded union time, with NASA contributing $641,037.
The significant increase in NASA’s union time expenses, coupled with the decrease in its overall budget, raises serious questions about how taxpayer money is being utilized. The debate highlights a larger conversation about government efficiency, transparency, and the role of unions in federal agencies. The focus now shifts towards ensuring greater accountability and responsible spending of public funds.
