House Committee Pushes Return to Office for Federal Employees

The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman Rep. James Comer, is pushing for federal employees to return to office work, criticizing the Biden administration's continuation of pandemic-era telework policies. Republicans argue the underutilization of federal buildings, with some at less than 25% capacity, wastes taxpayer money and impacts the D.C. economy negatively by hurting local businesses. President-elect Donald Trump emphasizes that returning to office is a priority, warning that non-compliance could result in dismissals. Democrats, however, defend telework, citing improved quality of life, productivity, and talent attraction. They argue that telework should remain an option with appropriate safeguards in place. The debate underscores a political divide on the future of federal work arrangements and their economic implications.