House Republicans have initiated an investigation into whether American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union dues were improperly used to support the writing and promotion of the union president Randi Weingarten’s book. The inquiry, led by the House Committee on Education and Workforce, follows reports that the AFT allocated hundreds of thousands of dollars in resources toward the project.

In a letter sent Tuesday, Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) and Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Chairman Rick Allen (R-Ga.) raised concerns about transparency and fiduciary responsibility within one of the largest labor organizations in the United States. They cited an analysis of the union’s federal labor disclosures indicating substantial expenditures for consulting, legal services, publication, fact-checking, photography, and other activities tied to Weingarten’s book, *Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy.*

The lawmakers questioned whether union funds, personnel, contractors, and other resources were used to develop and promote the book while Weingarten received a portion of the royalties and proceeds. According to the analysis, a team supporting Weingarten’s work received more than $1.4 million from union funds. Additionally, union records disclosed two royalty payments amounting to $125,000 made to an entity controlled by Weingarten, Teachers Want What Kids Need LLC, described as a non-tax-exempt corporate entity rather than a charity.

Weingarten has maintained that the book was a joint project with the AFT and that she did not engage in any wrongdoing. She previously described the allegations as a “fishing expedition” driven by political motives but confirmed that the book proceeds were split equally between herself and the union. The AFT president receives an annual salary of $469,442 and previously led the United Federation of Teachers, the union’s New York City affiliate.

The House Committee on Education and Workforce has requested Weingarten provide extensive documentation by July 21, including all union expenses related to the creation, publication, promotion, and tour activities linked to the book. The committee also seeks all agreements between the AFT and outside parties, along with records of union employees’ work on the project.

Weingarten had no immediate response to the committee’s request. The investigation underscores ongoing scrutiny of labor union financial practices and raises questions about the appropriate use of dues collected from union members.