H.R.1280 - Decentralizing and Reorganizing Agency Infrastructure Nation-wide To Harness Efficient Services, Workforce Administration, and Management Practices Act; DRAIN THE SWAMP Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1280, also known as the "DRAIN THE SWAMP Act," mandates the relocation of 30% of Executive agency headquarters employees outside the Washington metropolitan area within one year of enactment. The bill also requires a reduction in headquarters office space by at least 30% and prohibits relocation incentives for affected employees. It includes exceptions for certain employees, particularly those involved in national security and those with disabilities requiring full-time telework.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be a significant shift in the geographic distribution of federal employees. This shift aims to decentralize the federal workforce and potentially reduce costs associated with maintaining a large presence in the Washington, D.C. area. The bill also intends to promote geographic diversity and improve in-person customer service throughout the regions of the Executive agencies.
Potential Benefits
- Potential cost savings from reduced office space and locality pay adjustments.
- Increased geographic diversity within the federal workforce.
- Improved in-person customer service in regions outside of Washington, D.C.
- Potential economic boost to areas receiving relocated federal employees.
- Streamlined government operations through colocation of agencies.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Disruption to the lives and careers of affected employees.
- Potential loss of expertise and institutional knowledge due to employee attrition.
- Logistical challenges and costs associated with relocating a large number of employees.
- Reduced efficiency due to the dispersal of agency headquarters functions.
- Negative impact on the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area economy.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to be constitutionally permissible under Congress's power to regulate the federal workforce and manage government property, as outlined in Article I, Section 8. The power to establish offices and determine their location falls within the necessary and proper clause. However, the implementation must be carefully managed to avoid infringing on any individual rights or creating undue burdens.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).