DRAIN THE SWAMP Act

This bill, known as the "DRAIN THE SWAMP Act," requires the head of each Executive agency to relocate a significant portion of its headquarters employees. Specifically, within one year of enactment, not less than 30 percent of headquarters employees must have their permanent duty stations changed to locations outside the Washington metropolitan area, distributed throughout the agency's regions. For these relocated employees, their rate of pay will be calculated based on the pay locality of their new duty station, and they will not be authorized to telework on a full-time basis. The bill promotes geographic diversity, including consideration of rural markets, and ensures adequate staffing for in-person customer service. An exception is made for employees with disabilities who require full-time telework as a reasonable accommodation. Agencies must submit a report within 180 days detailing their plan for employee relocation. Furthermore, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget is directed to issue a memorandum requiring a reduction of at least 30 percent in the real property serving as Executive agency headquarters, prioritizing the disposal of buildings and co-locating agencies. This reduction must be completed within two years. The bill also mandates that Executive agencies include specific employee data, such as the number of headquarters employees and full-time teleworkers, in their annual budget justification materials. Notably, no relocation incentives will be paid to employees whose official worksite changes under this Act, and the Act supersedes any other conflicting provisions of law or collective bargaining agreements.