TEACH Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 29, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to strip the National Education Association of its federal charter if it continues to engage in lobbying, fundamentally altering its operational capacity and political influence.
What it actually does
This bill, the "Terminating Education Association Congressional Handouts Act" or "TEACH Act," prohibits the National Education Association (NEA), a federally chartered corporation, from engaging in any lobbying activities. It mandates annual certification to the Secretary of Education confirming compliance and establishes termination of its federal charter as the penalty for any violation.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that federally chartered organizations, especially those representing a specific profession, should not use their status to engage in political lobbying, which they view as diverting resources from their core mission and potentially influencing policy in ways not aligned with public interest. They might contend that this bill promotes accountability and ensures that organizations receiving federal recognition focus solely on their stated non-political objectives.
Opponents contend
Opponents would argue that this bill is a direct attack on the First Amendment rights of the National Education Association and its members to petition the government and engage in political speech. They would assert that lobbying is a legitimate and necessary function for an organization representing millions of educators, allowing them to advocate for policies that benefit public education, teachers, and students. They might also view it as an attempt to silence a prominent voice in education policy debates.
The bill is very short and easily digestible, allowing ample time for a thorough evaluation of its implications.
Section 2(a), adding new section 151109 to title 36, United States Code.
Prohibition on NEA Lobbying Activities
This provision amends federal law to explicitly forbid the National Education Association (NEA) from engaging in any activities defined as "lobbying" under section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. It requires the NEA to annually certify to the Secretary of Education that it has not engaged in such activities and to maintain records for audit. Failure to comply would result in the termination of the NEA's status as a federally chartered corporation.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this prohibition ensures that the NEA, as a federally chartered corporation, adheres strictly to its educational mission without engaging in political advocacy, which they believe should be separate from its chartered status. They contend it prevents the organization from using its federal recognition to unduly influence policy.
Critics contend
Opponents contend that this provision directly infringes upon the First Amendment rights of the NEA and its members to engage in political speech and petition the government. They argue that lobbying is a crucial tool for advocating for public education and the interests of educators, and this bill seeks to silence a powerful voice.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to limit the political activities of federally chartered organizations against concerns about free speech and the right to petition the government for a significant professional association.