NW Kentucky News

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer and Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency Chairwoman Marjorie Taylor Greene are investigating the Biden Administration's use of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with federal employee unions. They allege these agreements were designed to hinder President Trump's ability to govern effectively.

The focus is on the numerous CBAs agreed upon with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) before President Trump’s inauguration. Comer and Greene have requested information from AFGE regarding the negotiation process and whether these agreements align with American interests.

"The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is investigating the use—and abuse—of the federal collective bargaining process outlined in 5 U.S.C. Ch. 71," stated Comer and Greene in their letter, emphasizing that these CBAs were primarily intended to limit President Trump's authority over the federal workforce.

Former Social Security Administration Commissioner Martin O’Malley admitted during a committee hearing to signing a last-minute CBA ensuring telework privileges until 2029. A similar approach was reportedly taken by leaders at the Department of Education just before Trump assumed office. The Oversight Committee has released a report detailing how Democrat-backed labor unions collaborated with the Biden Administration to maintain high levels of telework ahead of Trump's second term.

"President Trump is working to bring efficiency to the federal government, including through reforms to the federal workforce," continued Comer and Greene, noting an executive order signed by Trump requiring all departments and agencies to end remote work arrangements immediately.

The letter addressed to AFGE National President Everett Kelley seeks further clarification on these issues as part of ongoing efforts by Congress members to support Trump's administration in reducing bureaucracy within federal agencies.