This bill, titled the "DRAIN THE SWAMP Act," requires the head of each Executive agency to relocate not less than 30 percent of their headquarters employees from the Washington metropolitan area to offices outside this region within one year of the Act's enactment. These new duty stations must be located throughout the agency's regions, with a focus on promoting geographic diversity , including rural markets, and ensuring adequate staffing for in-person customer service. For employees whose duty stations are changed, their rate of pay will be calculated based on the new locality, and they will not be authorized to telework on a full-time basis. An exception is made for employees with disabilities who require full-time telework as a reasonable accommodation. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Director of the Office of Management and Budget issue a memorandum directing a 30 percent reduction in headquarters office space for Executive agencies, to be completed within two years. Agencies must also report to Congress on employee numbers, eligibility for relocation, and their implementation plans, with no relocation incentives provided to employees whose official worksite changes from their residence to agency headquarters.
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DRAIN THE SWAMP Act
USA119th CongressHR-1280| House
| Updated: 2/13/2025
This bill, titled the "DRAIN THE SWAMP Act," requires the head of each Executive agency to relocate not less than 30 percent of their headquarters employees from the Washington metropolitan area to offices outside this region within one year of the Act's enactment. These new duty stations must be located throughout the agency's regions, with a focus on promoting geographic diversity , including rural markets, and ensuring adequate staffing for in-person customer service. For employees whose duty stations are changed, their rate of pay will be calculated based on the new locality, and they will not be authorized to telework on a full-time basis. An exception is made for employees with disabilities who require full-time telework as a reasonable accommodation. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Director of the Office of Management and Budget issue a memorandum directing a 30 percent reduction in headquarters office space for Executive agencies, to be completed within two years. Agencies must also report to Congress on employee numbers, eligibility for relocation, and their implementation plans, with no relocation incentives provided to employees whose official worksite changes from their residence to agency headquarters.
CommutingComputers and information technologyCongressional oversightGovernment buildings, facilities, and propertyGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel management