Rep. Comer Reintroduces Bill to End Pandemic-Era Remote Work for Federal Employees

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Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) has reintroduced a bill aimed at rolling back pandemic-era remote work policies for federal employees. The proposal, known as the SHOW UP Act, seeks to require federal workers to return to in-person office settings and reinstate stricter telework guidelines from 2019.

 

“The pandemic is long over, and it’s past time for the federal workforce to show up to the office to better fulfill agencies’ missions and serve the American people,” Comer stated in his announcement of the bill. As chair of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, Comer has been vocal in his criticism of the Biden administration’s approach to telework, accusing it of hindering government efficiency and performance.

 

Originally introduced nearly two years ago, the SHOW UP Act successfully passed in the House but failed to gain Senate approval. Comer’s renewed push comes amid broader discussions about the future of work within the federal government and rising tensions over potential policy changes under the next administration.

 

The proposed legislation would require federal agencies to reduce telework policies to pre-pandemic levels within 30 days. Additionally, agencies would need to provide Congress with retrospective studies within six months to evaluate the impact of hybrid work models on their operations. Comer’s insistence on these measures reflects growing skepticism among some lawmakers about the long-term viability of widespread remote work in federal agencies.

 

Meanwhile, the Biden administration has taken steps to secure hybrid work protections for federal employees. These efforts, which extend telework accommodations through 2029 for many roles, particularly in agencies like the Social Security Administration, aim to provide stability for employees who have adjusted to the flexibility of remote work. The administration has emphasized maintaining current telework levels, framing the policy as a pragmatic adaptation to modern workforce needs.

 

However, federal workers are bracing for potential disruptions tied to former President Donald Trump’s expected return to the White House. If Trump reassumes office, policy shifts could significantly impact federal employment practices. Notably, tech entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who have been tapped to lead Trump’s proposed “Department of Government Efficiency,” have outlined plans for extensive federal workforce layoffs.

 

As debates over remote work and government efficiency intensify, the fate of the SHOW UP Act remains uncertain. Should it gain traction, it could signal a dramatic shift in federal workplace norms, forcing thousands of employees to return to traditional office environments. For now, federal workers and agencies are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape with potentially far-reaching implications for their daily operations and long-term futures.

 

Based on a report by The Hill 2024-01-18