House steps up telework requirements at several agencies

Language in the version of the fiscal 2007 Science-State-Justice-Commerce spending measure passed by the House last week would require agencies funded by the bill to detail strategies to increase the number of workers eligible to telecommute.

The agencies would need to do so within six months of enactment. The bill also would withhold $5 million in appropriations at each of the covered agencies for fiscal 2007 if the number of telecommuters failed to increase over the previous year.

The legislation (H.R. 5672) passed the House Thursday and awaits action in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

In the past, the Senate has allowed similar provisions through conference negotiations with the House. But this year's language contains the toughest set of requirements yet in an effort to get agencies to boost the number of teleworkers.

Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., an outspoken supporter of alternative work arrangements, has during the last three years placed financial pressure on agencies under his jurisdiction as chairman of the House Science-State-Justice-Commerce Appropriations Subcommittee.

The Commerce, Justice and State departments, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Small Business Administration successfully fulfilled telework reporting requirements for fiscal 2005, but Wolf has expressed frustration, stating the agencies can do more to increase the number of telecommuters.

Under the fiscal 2006 spending law covering the year that ends Sept. 30, those five agencies must show an increase in telecommuters from fiscal 2005 or face penalties of $5 million. NASA and the National Science Foundation, now under Wolf's subcommittee, first received mandates requiring them to report the number of authorized telecommuters as part of the fiscal 2006 provisions.

The recently passed House bill would for the first time require NASA and NSF to show an increase in telecommuters as opposed to merely reporting the level of participation. It also includes a provision carried over from the 2006 measure requiring the seven agencies under Wolf's jurisdiction to designate a telework coordinator.

Wolf has said the Internet and advancements in computer technology give federal employees the ability to work anywhere. By allowing employees to telework, agencies are bettered prepared to continue operating in the event of a natural disaster, he has said.

A report accompanying the House legislation commended the Patent and Trademark Office for its telework programs, but stated the committee remains concerned about the lack of progress made by other federal agencies.

Wolf's ability to use the spending bill as a vehicle to place telework requirements on the seven agencies may be restricted soon, because term limits could force him to take a new subcommittee chairmanship in 2007. Wolf has said wherever he ends up, he will continue to promote the alternate work arrangement.