
A new report from the House Oversight and Accountability Committee has exposed how the Biden-Harris administration’s telework policies have led to massive government waste. Taxpayers are shouldering the burden of billions spent on vacant office spaces while federal employees continue working remotely.
Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY) criticized the administration for giving too much authority to federal unions, resulting in widespread telework that undermines government efficiency. Comer stated, “Taxpayers are being forced to fund empty office buildings while bureaucrats stay home.” He stressed the need for reforms to stop this reckless misuse of public funds.
The report revealed that nearly 228,000 federal employees are never required to return to the office, and millions of others work remotely most of the week. Agencies such as the Department of Education reported that over half of their staff rarely work in person. Office occupancy rates in some agencies have dropped as low as 9%.
Despite these low attendance rates, the federal government continues to pour approximately $7 billion annually into office space leases and upkeep. Additionally, agencies spent $3.3 billion on office furniture for spaces that remain mostly unused. This unchecked spending has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and taxpayers alike.
The report also revealed that outgoing Biden officials signed long-term agreements with unions, securing remote work arrangements through 2029. These deals will limit the incoming Trump administration’s ability to bring federal employees back to the office and restore accountability.
Lawmakers are now pushing for sweeping reforms to rein in government waste. Proposals include reducing office space, renegotiating union contracts and returning telework policies to pre-pandemic standards. Comer vowed to work closely with President Donald Trump to cut government excess and make federal agencies more accountable to the American people.