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S23119th CongressWALLET

DRAIN THE SWAMP Act

Sponsored By: Senator Ernst, Joni [R-IA]

Introduced

Summary

Would relocate at least 30% of federal agency headquarters staff out of the Washington, DC area. It would also force agencies to cut about 30% of headquarters office space and restrict full‑time telework for many affected employees.

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  • Workers: Headquarters employees would face permanent duty‑station moves to locations across an agency's regional footprint, with pay reset to the new locality and relocations completed within one year. Full‑time telework would be barred for relocated employees, though telework as an Americans with Disabilities Act accommodation would be exempt.
  • Agencies and real property: The Office of Management and Budget would have to identify at least 30% of headquarters office space to sell or stop leasing, and agencies must complete space reductions within two years.
  • Oversight and labor rules: Agencies would submit relocation plans within 180 days and add headquarters and telework counts to budget materials. The measure would bar relocation incentives when an employee's official worksite becomes a headquarters, supersede other laws and collective bargaining agreements, and deny a private right of action.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Cut agency headquarters buildings

If enacted, OMB would have 60 days to order agencies to reduce headquarters real property by at least 30%. Agencies would have to start reductions within 180 days and finish within two years. OMB would be told to prioritize selling buildings and co‑locating headquarters into fewer sites.

Move 30% of federal HQ staff

If enacted, each Executive agency would have to move at least 30% of its headquarters staff to offices outside the Washington, D.C., area within one year. For moved employees, pay would be recalculated using the new locality. The bill would generally bar full‑time telework for moved employees and could end full‑time telework for some others 180 days after agency reporting. Agencies must report counts and plans within 180 days and follow specific notice windows before a move takes effect. A full‑time telework accommodation under the ADA would make an employee ineligible to be moved but they would still count toward the 30% requirement.

Overrides contracts and limits lawsuits

If enacted, the bill would override any law or labor contract that conflicts with its requirements. The bill would also say it does not create a private federal right to sue over actions taken under the Act.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Ernst, Joni [R-IA]

IA • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]

    OK • R

    Sponsored 1/13/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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