Bill · H.R. 357· House(119-HR-357)
Back to Work Act
- Introduced
- 1/13/2025
- Last activity
- 1/13/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Sponsored by
- Zachary Nunn
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Back to Work Act" seeks to amend title 5 of the United States Code to place limitations on Federal teleworking. It mandates that employees may not telework for more than 40 percent of their work days per pay period, subject to agency head review and approval. Agency heads are granted the authority to further limit telework based on specific roles or waive the limit under certain circumstances. Additionally, the bill implements limitations on pay for employees with telework agreements. Finally, it requires executive agencies to submit annual reports regarding telework productivity, barriers, and negative effects to specific Congressional committees.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill requires agency heads to submit annual reports to Congressional committees regarding telework productivity and negative effects.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+3
The bill reduces federal pay by capping locality-based comparability payments at the 'Rest of United States' rate for teleworking employees.
The opposite
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-5
The bill mandates that agencies monitor and evaluate teleworking employees using remote technical means.
Would middle-income households be better off under this?-3
Federal employees, who often fall into middle-income brackets, face reduced pay opportunities and stricter work requirements.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Exceptions for specific circumstances: Under Section 2(a)(1)(A)(2)(d)(2), the 40 percent telework limit can be waived for spouses of members of the Armed Forces or Federal law enforcement officers, employees with highly specialized expertise or frequent travel duties, positions where finding candidates is challenging, or during inclement weather or exigent circumstances.
-
Increased oversight: Section 2(a)(1)(A)(2)(E) requires agencies to monitor and evaluate employees engaged in telework using remote technical means and other appropriate methods.
-
Congressional Accountability: Section 2(a)(1)(A)(2)(e)(1) requires agency heads to submit annual reports to Congressional committees detailing productivity metrics, barriers to enforcement, and any negative effects of telework such as increased costs or security vulnerabilities.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Telework restrictions: Section 2(a)(1)(A)(2)(b)(2)(C) limits employees to teleworking no more than 40 percent of their work days per pay period.
-
Reduced pay opportunities: Under Section 2(a)(1)(A)(2)(e), employees with written telework agreements are not eligible for pay adjustments under section 5303 and will receive locality-based comparability payments at the percentage for the "Rest of United States" locality pay area.
-
Increased scrutiny: Section 2(a)(1)(A)(2)(b)(2)(E) requires that agencies monitor and evaluate employees while they are engaged in telework through remote technical means and other appropriate methods.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Middle Class Households-3
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4Improves Privacy Rights-5
- 1/13/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Dan NewhouseRepublican · Washington