Federal Employee Return to Work Act

# Federal Employee Return to Work Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would prevent federal employees who work from home at least one day per week from receiving certain annual pay raises. Currently, all federal employees receive yearly pay adjustments through two mechanisms: a general raise based on private sector wage trends, and an additional "locality pay" increase if there's a significant gap between federal and private sector salaries in their area (like the higher pay rates in Washington, DC). The bill would block teleworking employees from getting these increases, effectively freezing their pay while office-based colleagues continue to receive raises. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill targets federal employees across all executive agencies who telework at least one day weekly (or 20% of their time on alternative schedules). This could impact hundreds of thousands of federal workers, from administrative staff to engineers.

The bill would take effect the first fiscal year after it becomes law. For example, a teleworking employee in a high-cost area like DC would no longer receive locality pay increases, potentially creating significant pay gaps between similar workers doing the same job—one remote, one in-office. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet passed either chamber of Congress. It was introduced by Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA) in the 119th Congress.