The $1.85 trillion spending package Democrats are trying to pass through Congress includes a $7,500 tax credit for consumers who purchase electric vehicles through 2026. The following year, only purchases of electric vehicles made in the U.S. qualify for the credit. Meanwhile, the base credit goes up by $4,500 if the vehicle is made at a U.S. plant that is unionized. Only auto plants owned by General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis NV currently qualify.
American Family News spoke with Mark Mix, president of National Right to Work Committee, to get his take on the plan.
"This is just another example of the government picking winners and losers with taxpayer money – and unfortunately, the winners here are union officials who, in the 23 states that don't have Right to Work laws, get to force workers to pay union dues or fees in order to work," said Mix.
"So, the notion that we've come to the point where special-interest constituencies can have the influence that they have on the president and have taxpayers pay $4,500 additionally for someone to purchase a union-made electric vehicle is outrageous."
Similarly, some Republican senators are not having it.
"There's nothing about a union-made electric vehicle that makes it greener than a non-union vehicle, so it just seems pretty obvious it's funneling money to supporters. I think it's shameful," said Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), whose state was selected by Tesla for a manufacturing plant as well as for its new corporate headquarters.
"It's a terrible idea," said Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), whose state is home to Nissan and Toyota plants. "It just strikes me as a blatant gift to a political friend. I don't see any other way to look at it. It's an obvious payoff."
"Senator Cornyn and Senator Wicker – those who are objecting to this, and those in the Right to Work states who object to it – make a whole lot of sense," Mix added. "Because the idea that taxpayers foot the bill for special privileges that union officials are given is really outrageous."
It's no secret that President Biden is a fan of unions. The president often speaks of "good paying union jobs" – and he also nominated former union leader Marty Walsh to be his secretary of the Department of Labor.
