Millions Wasted On Remote Federal Workforce As Agencies Sit Empty

A damning report from the House Oversight and Accountability Committee has revealed that excessive telework policies under the Biden-Harris administration have wasted billions in taxpayer money. Federal buildings remain nearly empty while employees continue to work remotely, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill for unused office space.

Rep. James Comer (R-KY), chairman of the committee, criticized the administration for prioritizing union demands over public service. “Federal agencies are supposed to serve the people, not act as a welfare system for union-backed bureaucrats,” Comer said. He called for immediate reforms to end this misuse of taxpayer dollars.

The investigation found that nearly 228,000 federal employees are never required to work in-office. Millions more work remotely for most of the week, leaving government buildings with occupancy rates as low as 9%. This rampant underuse of office space costs the federal government about $7 billion each year in leases and maintenance.

Adding to the waste, agencies spent $3.3 billion on office furniture for largely vacant spaces. Agencies like the General Services Administration and the Department of Education have seen remote work skyrocket to 50% and 55%, respectively, compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Further complicating matters, Biden administration officials signed long-term agreements with unions to lock in telework guarantees through 2029. These deals severely limit President Donald Trump’s ability to enforce accountability and bring employees back to work.

In response, lawmakers are pushing for legislation to scale back telework policies, sell off unused office properties and renegotiate union contracts. Comer pledged to support President Trump’s mission to cut government waste and restore efficiency in federal operations.