Comer, Sessions, & Boebert Renew Document Request in Probe of Federal Agencies’ Telework Policies

Follows previous request for info why federal agencies are currently teleworking more than before the COVID-19 pandemic

WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas), and Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) are renewing their initial request on May 18, 2023 to federal agencies for documents and information to conduct oversight over telework and remote work rates and policies. In the latest letters, the Republican lawmakers blast federal agencies for failing to turn over materials on agencies’ telework and remote work policies critical to Committee Republicans’ investigation.

“One of two options is currently playing out: either federal agencies are withholding information from Congress or federal agencies are not tracking telework and remote work policies as required by the law. Both possibilities are deeply concerning. The American people show up to work every day and federal agencies should follow their example. Committee Republicans remain steadfast in our pursuit of answers and if federal agencies continue to withhold this information, we will resort to compulsory measures,” said Comer, Sessions, and Boebert.

The Biden Administration has allowed agencies to continue levels of telework and remote work that are significantly higher than before the pandemic. However, the Administration has not provided current data about the specific amount of telework occurring within federal agencies or across the entire federal workforce and has provided no objective evidence concerning the impact of elevated telework on agency performance. A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on federal building occupancy suggests that in some components of federal agencies the vast majority of employees are not coming to the office on a regular basis. Some agency headquarters reported occupancy rates as low as nine percent.

The letters can be found here.