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

 

 

[stevenl]

Is remote wirk inefficient?

Are there enough working places?

I foresee major practical obstacles.

[Yagoda]

You have a job, you work where your employer tells you or you get a new job.

[Emdog]

If the work can be done from home at the same level as at an office, it makes sense to allow to do the work at home.

Working from home is one means to fight climate change: no energy spent in commuting, no resources needed to build new highways, light rails, autos, buses, motorcycles, bikes even footpaths.... along with all the vast amount of energy saved from no commuting. No loss of land for parking lots, highways, rail ways, etc.

The major downsides are to restaurants that depend on the lunch time crowd and maybe some negative unforeseen psychological impact due to lack of face to face interaction

[CallumWK]

1 hour ago, stevenl said:

Is remote wirk inefficient?

 

Plenty of researches available that prove remote work is 10 - 20% less productive.

Only anti Trumpers will deny everything the Republicans introduce

[stevenl]

12 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

Plenty of researches available that prove remote work is 10 - 20% less productive.

Only anti Trumpers will deny everything the Republicans introduce

A very recent article here.

https://www.newsweek.com/remote-work-boosting-productivity-hindering-efficiency-2015980

 

From the article.

"While evidence suggests it has generally resulted in higher productivity ...."

So no, your productivity argument seems incorrect, as is your anti trump reasoning. There are drawbacks, but looks like you're on the wrong track.

 

 

[CallumWK]

12 minutes ago, stevenl said:

A very recent article here.

https://www.newsweek.com/remote-work-boosting-productivity-hindering-efficiency-2015980

 

From the article.

"While evidence suggests it has generally resulted in higher productivity ...."

So no, your productivity argument seems incorrect, as is your anti trump reasoning. There are drawbacks, but looks like you're on the wrong track.

 

 

 

Maybe stop the selective reading to prevent making an invalid point.

 

From your own link.

 

While evidence suggests it has generally resulted in higher productivity, some studies indicate that working from home can have a negative impact on one's motivation and creativity.

 

And

 

Dr. Benjamin B. Dunford: Remote Working Heightens Risk of Miscommunication

These issues often lead to unresolved conflicts and misaligned expectations, hindering the team's ability to engage in healthy, productive discussions and effectively navigate disagreements.

[stevenl]

12 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

Maybe stop the selective reading to prevent making an invalid point.

 

From your own link.

 

While evidence suggests it has generally resulted in higher productivity, some studies indicate that working from home can have a negative impact on one's motivation and creativity.

 

And

 

Dr. Benjamin B. Dunford: Remote Working Heightens Risk of Miscommunication

These issues often lead to unresolved conflicts and misaligned expectations, hindering the team's ability to engage in healthy, productive discussions and effectively navigate disagreements.

As i said, your productivity remark seems not correct.

"There are drawbacks, but looks like you're on the wrong track.".

[CallumWK]

5 minutes ago, stevenl said:

As i said, your productivity remark seems not correct.

"There are drawbacks, but looks like you're on the wrong track.".

 

Weak very weak, or should I say woke?