Sen. Romney and Sen. Manchin Introduce “Back to Work Act of 2024” for Federal Employees

The debate over remote work for federal employees has taken center stage in Congress, with Utah Sen. Mitt Romney and West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin introducing a new bill that aims to bring workers back to their offices.

The “Back to Work Act of 2024” would limit remote work to no more than 40% of days within a federal employee’s pay period, with agencies required to monitor and report on telework activities. The bill has bipartisan support, with Romney emphasizing the importance of federal employees being present in the office to fulfill their duties to the American people.

Despite the push for in-office work, a Government Accountability Office report found that many federal agency headquarters were operating at 25% capacity or less in the first three months of 2023. This has led to concerns about wasted taxpayer dollars and a lack of collaboration with citizens.

While the bill has received praise for promoting in-person connections and supporting local economies, it has also faced criticism from employee unions. The American Federation of Government Employees argues that telework promotes healthier workers and a better work-life balance, and restricting it could drive away talented employees.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the “Back to Work Act of 2024” will impact federal employees and the efficiency of government operations.