Senator Joni Ernst Presses Federal Agencies to Halt Telework Deals Before Trump Presidency
Ernst criticizes federal employee unions for pushing long-term telework agreements and introduces legislation to reduce remote work and decentralize federal offices.
- Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) has sent letters to 24 federal agencies demanding an immediate stop to telework contract negotiations that extend beyond the Biden administration.
- Ernst claims unions are rushing to secure long-term telework agreements before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, limiting the incoming administration's ability to revise policies.
- The senator introduced the DRAIN THE SWAMP Act, which aims to relocate 30% of federal workers outside Washington, D.C., eliminate remote work, and sell off underused federal office spaces.
- Reports highlighted that only 6% of federal employees are working in-person full-time, with a third entirely remote, while billions are spent annually on maintaining underutilized office buildings.
- Ernst has also raised concerns about taxpayer-funded union time and alleged misuse of resources, citing examples of employees being paid for union work while jailed or engaging in personal activities.