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NASA’s New “Spy Agency” Label and Federal Employee Rights

collective bargaining federal employee rights federal employment nasa national security Sep 19, 2025

At the end of August, the President signed an executive order that reclassified several science and service agencies — including NASA, the National Weather Service, and parts of the Patent Office — as having a “primary” national-security function. On paper, that phrase means these agencies now fall into a category where collective-bargaining rights can be stripped. For tens of thousands of career civil servants, that means union protections built up over decades just vanished.

Does This Make NASA a Spy Agency?

Despite the headlines, no — NASA has not suddenly joined the CIA. Its mission in statute remains civilian science and exploration. The executive order’s language is less about satellites and more about labor law. By labeling scientific agencies as “national security,” the administration can sidestep collective bargaining. It’s lawyerly maneuvering, not a wholesale change of mission. But the effects are very real for employees — and, by extension, the public.

Why Union Protections Matter in Science Agencies

Unions do far more than negotiate pay. They create structured, protected pathways for scientists, engineers, and analysts to raise safety concerns without retaliation. Consider rocket launches, aircraft testing, or storm modeling. Collective bargaining fosters a culture where raising a red flag is part of the job, not a career risk. Without those protections, transparency and consistency give way to unilateral decisions — and that risks both safety and talent retention.

How This Affects the Public

These changes ripple well beyond government buildings. Every tornado warning, hurricane forecast, wildfire smoke model, or GPS-based technology relies on the integrity of federal scientists. When their ability to speak truth to power is weakened, so is the reliability of the data the public counts on. Stripping away collective bargaining doesn’t just affect employees — it threatens the safeguards that keep communities safe.

Looking Beyond the Headlines

The “NASA as spy agency” line makes for good clickbait, but the real story is more subtle and more serious. This reclassification rewrites the relationship between public science and political power. It narrows employee rights in ways that affect workplace culture, scientific transparency, and ultimately public safety.

What You Can Do

First, pay attention to process. Ask your representatives — respectfully and specifically — where they stand on restoring bargaining rights in science and service agencies. Second, talk about this at home and at work. This isn’t a left-versus-right issue; it’s about whether federal employees can raise safety concerns without retaliation. Third, support the mission. When you see forecasts, launches, or innovations, remember the public servants behind them.

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.

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