House GOP Report Criticizes Federal Telework Policies and Office Space Spending

A new report highlights $7 billion in annual costs for underused federal office space, as lawmakers debate the future of remote work policies.

The federal government spends $7 billion annually on office space leases, despite many buildings being underutilized, with some agencies using as little as 9% of their capacity.
Approximately half of federal employees were teleworking regularly or fully remote as of mid-2024, according to the Office of Management and Budget.
House Republicans argue current telework policies, established during the Biden administration, waste taxpayer money and hinder agency efficiency.
A late 2024 agreement between the Social Security Administration and its union locked in telework policies until 2029, drawing criticism from GOP lawmakers aiming to reverse such measures under the Trump administration.
The debate over telework policies has implications for urban economies, with declining office occupancy affecting commercial property values, small businesses, and public transit systems.