Staff Reports
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) has raised concerns about the telework privileges given to federal bureaucrats under the Biden administration. According to Ernst, these privileges have had negative impacts on productivity and the ability of federal employees to serve the public. She also points out that allowing remote work on a large scale has led to empty federal buildings that continue to accrue expenses on taxpayers’ dime.
To address these issues, Ernst has sent letters to the inspectors general of all federal agencies, requesting investigations into the impact of remote work on the government’s ability to provide services and the potential cost savings that could be achieved by consolidating empty offices. She also wants to know if any adjustments have been made to the salaries of employees who have chosen to work remotely.
Ernst believes that remote work can be a cost-saving measure and help with talent recruitment and retention. However, she emphasizes that it should not harm the agencies’ ability to fulfill their missions, impact service delivery, or mismanage taxpayer money. She cites an example from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, where lax oversight of telework led to unpaid work and a patent application backlog.
Ernst argues that telework practices need to be reviewed for cost savings and improved management. She criticizes the lack of clear standards or expectations set by the administration to prevent abuse. Data shows that a small percentage of the federal workforce reported to government-leased offices in the Washington, D.C. area, and a significant amount of available office space is going unused.
In light of these findings, Ernst calls for accountability and better stewardship of taxpayer dollars. She believes that it is not fair to burden hardworking public servants while others take advantage of telework privileges. Ernst asserts that federal employees need to answer the call of duty and return to work on behalf of the American people.
