>> Continued From the Previous Page <<
As Vice President, Harris played a pivotal role in the Biden administration’s labor efforts, particularly as Chair of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment. This role, combined with the administration’s overall pro-labor stance, was a key reason the union chose to back Harris. The Task Force’s efforts helped level the playing field for federal employee unions and enhanced their ability to organize.
The IRS union’s endorsement comes on the heels of major investments in the agency. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS received $80 billion in funding, allowing it to hire 87,000 new employees. These hires are intended to modernize the agency and provide more resources for its operations, although it has been met with controversy, particularly among those who view the expansion as government overreach.
Harris’ advocacy for the federal workforce extends beyond the IRS. The NTEU highlighted her support for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), noting her commitment to staffing increases at the nation’s ports of entry. Greenwald added that Harris’ backing of the 2024 bipartisan border bill demonstrates her dedication to ensuring federal agencies, including CBP, are adequately funded and staffed.
“Harris’ commitment to sign the 2024 bipartisan border bill and increase staffing so our members at Customs and Border Protection can do their jobs securing the border at the ports of entry are examples of her commitment to ensuring federal agencies are properly funded and staffed, which is one of the many reasons why all Americans should vote for Kamala Harris,” Greenwald remarked.
Despite the NTEU’s praise for Harris, her endorsement from the IRS union is likely to spark backlash among her critics. The IRS has been under scrutiny following its expanded budget and plans to hire tens of thousands of new employees. Critics argue that the IRS has already become too large and intrusive, with many concerned that the additional hires will lead to more aggressive tax audits and enforcement.
Back in May, the IRS requested an additional $20 billion from Congress to fund the hiring of another 14,000 employees, raising further concerns. These new hires are part of the agency’s efforts to investigate “discriminatory practices,” but opponents view this as an unnecessary expansion of federal power.
The Inflation Reduction Act’s $80 billion investment in the IRS has been one of the most controversial aspects of the Biden administration’s economic plan. While supporters argue that the funds are necessary to modernize the agency and crack down on tax cheats, opponents claim that it will disproportionately impact middle-class Americans who could face increased scrutiny from the tax agency.
The NTEU’s endorsement highlights Harris’ long history in public service and her consistent support for federal employees. Greenwald described Harris as a “powerful voice for workers and their unions,” adding that she understands the vital role civil servants play in maintaining the country’s democracy.
“Kamala Harris has a long career in public service, which has given her a keen understanding of how the skilled civil servants who perform the day-to-day work of government are vital to our democracy,” said Greenwald. “She is a powerful voice for workers and their unions, recognizing that taxpayers are better served when the federal workforce is organized and empowered to help agencies meet their important public service missions.”
The endorsement from the IRS union comes at a crucial time for Kamala Harris as she prepares for a potential 2024 presidential run. While the endorsement solidifies her support within the federal workforce, it may also fuel criticisms from her opponents, particularly over the role and expansion of the IRS under her and the Biden administration.
As the race for the White House heats up, Harris’ ability to rally labor support could prove pivotal, but only time will tell how this endorsement will impact the broader election landscape.
