Examining the Policies and Priorities of the NLRB

This House Committee on Education & Workforce hearing on June 5, 2026, examined the policies, priorities, and operational challenges of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Key procurement-related discussions focused on the NLRB's significant case backlog, which tripled during the previous administration, and the agency's current efforts to reduce it. Chairman James R. Murphy and General Counsel Crystal S. Kerri testified about initiatives to improve case processing efficiency, including redistributing cases among regional offices and hiring additional staff. They highlighted the need for increased funding, noting that the House Appropriations bill proposed a budget significantly below the Office of Management and Budget's recommendation, which could hamper backlog reduction efforts. The hearing also addressed the importance of filling vacant board seats to restore quorum and expedite case decisions. Several members raised concerns about the impartiality of the NLRB's enforcement actions, citing settlements with major corporations like Amazon and SpaceX, and discussed the impact of prior administration policies on worker rights and employer free speech. The committee emphasized the necessity of maintaining the NLRB's independence and ensuring consistent case handling across regions. No specific contract awards or procurement vehicles were discussed, but budget allocations and staffing needs were central to the conversation.