NW Kentucky News

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform conducted its first hearing of the 119th Congress, focusing on the telework policies implemented by the Biden-Harris Administration. The hearing, titled “The Stay-at-Home Federal Workforce: Another Biden-Harris Legacy,” examined how these policies have affected agency missions and services to the public.

Chairman James Comer stated that the investigation revealed agencies are struggling to meet their responsibilities due to prolonged telework. He said, “The Biden Administration’s own data shows that the vast majority of federal office workers around the nation remain at home—either some, most, or all of the time.”

During the session, various members highlighted issues stemming from extended telework arrangements. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed concerns about long wait times for Social Security Administration (SSA) services. She remarked, "My constituents cannot get through the phone lines to even schedule an in-person appointment."

Rep. Clay Higgins also shared his experience with long hold times when attempting to contact SSA, emphasizing that elderly citizens face difficulties accessing necessary services.

In a discussion about federal workforce accountability, Rep. Virginia Foxx pointed out that there is no reliable method for tracking employee attendance in federal offices compared to private sector practices.

Rep. Byron Donalds discussed the President's authority over federal work schedules with former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley. While acknowledging presidential powers under existing laws, Mr. O’Malley emphasized adherence to legal frameworks.

Rep. Eric Burlison raised concerns about misuse of telework privileges within government agencies and questioned union influence over such policies.

As part of ongoing efforts to address these issues, Chairman Comer announced plans to reintroduce legislation aimed at reducing telework levels among federal employees.