Did you know that you can now listen to Fox News articles? It’s quite surprising to think that Republican House Oversight Chairman James Comer, Democrat D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Democrat President Joe Biden have something in common. This month, Biden finally urged federal agencies to “aggressively execute” plans to bring employees back to in-person work this fall after more than three years of remote work due to COVID-19. Bowser played a key role in this decision, delivering an unexpected ultimatum to Biden and his employees during her inauguration address in January. She boldly stated, “Get your employees back to in-person work – or else vacate your lifeless downtown office buildings so we can fill the city with people again.”
For those who never thought they would agree with Bowser, this was a welcome surprise. Allowing more Americans to work remotely would open up government job opportunities across the country. To her credit, Bowser hosted an official “Welcome Back” celebration back in July 2021 and declared that “D.C. is open.” However, this declaration was made more than two years ago, and the federal government, being the largest employer in D.C., has yet to follow suit. As a result, Washington, D.C. has the highest work-from-home rate in the country, and telework is negatively impacting the city. While many other American cities are bustling with activity post-COVID, D.C. remains empty, with fewer businesses and an increase in crime, homelessness, drug use, and mental illness. The Metro system has experienced a significant decline in ridership, leading to delays and a general feeling of unsafety.
Recognizing the need for employees to return to in-person work, the House Oversight Committee has launched an investigation into telework failures and introduced the “SHOW UP” Act, which mandates a return to in-person work. There are concerns about the performance of government workers and the potential waste of taxpayer money, which is understandable. The situation in D.C. is dire, with closing stores, limited services, rising crime rates, and a lack of affordable housing. If federal workers do not return to work in person soon, the city could face serious consequences.
The decline of D.C. has even caught the attention of House Republicans, who have proposed taking over district government operations by eliminating D.C. home rule. While this proposal is unlikely to be implemented, it serves as a warning to the mayor and city council members that the Republicans are closely monitoring the city’s public safety measures and overall decline.
However, perhaps this conversation about returning to work presents an opportunity for conservatives to bring new thinking and reimagine the federal workforce as they look ahead to the 2025 White House race. Instead of forcing federal employees back into D.C. buildings, if their roles can be successfully carried out remotely, why not consider paying someone in a different state? This would allow for fresh ideas, different perspectives, and a wider range of talent. By expanding the talent pool beyond the confines of D.C., the entire country can benefit.
Moreover, hiring more widely nationwide could help dilute the abundance of civil servants who often work against Republican administrations. When a Republican president is in power, the bureaucracy should support their agenda, just as they do when a Democrat is in the White House. It often feels as though Republicans are the “away” team, even when they hold the majority. Democrats should not always feel entitled to be the “home” team. The government has grown beyond the consent of the governed, and involving a wider range of Americans in federal work, regardless of their geographic location, can help restore that consent. Technological advancements also offer the opportunity to streamline and decentralize government operations, engaging workforces across the nation.
If there continues to be resistance towards returning to in-person work in D.C., a future conservative administration could leverage this situation to serve the American people as a whole, rather than just one party. This would contribute to a more balanced and effective government.
In conclusion, the conversation about returning to work presents an opportunity for new thinking and a reimagination of the federal workforce. By considering remote work options and expanding the talent pool beyond D.C., we can benefit from fresh ideas and a wider range of perspectives. Additionally, streamlining and decentralizing government operations would help revive cities across the nation and engage workforces in a more inclusive manner. It’s time to restore the consent of the governed and ensure that the government serves all Americans, regardless of political affiliation or location.
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