H.R.473 - Stopping Home Office Work’s Unproductive Problems Act of 2025; SHOW UP Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 473, also known as the SHOW UP Act of 2025, aims to reinstate pre-pandemic telework policies within federal agencies. The bill mandates that agencies revert to telework levels no greater than those in effect on December 31, 2019, within 30 days of enactment. It also requires agencies to conduct a study on the impacts of expanded telework during the pandemic.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that any plans to expand telework beyond pre-pandemic levels must be submitted to Congress. These plans require certification from the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) demonstrating a positive effect on agency performance and cost reduction.
The bill defines key terms such as 'agency,' 'Director,' 'locality pay,' and 'telework,' providing a clear framework for its implementation.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect of the SHOW UP Act would be a reduction in telework opportunities for many federal employees. This could lead to increased commuting, potential disruptions in work-life balance, and a possible decrease in employee morale. Agencies would also need to re-evaluate their space needs and potentially reconfigure office layouts to accommodate more in-person staff.
In the longer term, the impact will depend on the results of the required studies and the OPM Director's certifications. If agencies can demonstrate that expanded telework negatively impacts performance or increases costs, the pre-pandemic restrictions could become permanent. Conversely, successful telework expansion plans could lead to a more flexible and geographically diverse federal workforce.
Potential Benefits
- Potential improvement in customer service due to increased in-person interactions.
- Possible reduction in government real estate costs if agencies can consolidate office space.
- Enhanced oversight and collaboration among federal employees through increased in-person presence.
- Standardized telework policies across federal agencies, promoting consistency and accountability.
- Opportunity for agencies to assess the true impact of telework on their mission and performance.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced employee morale and job satisfaction due to loss of telework flexibility.
- Increased commuting costs and time for federal employees.
- Potential loss of talent as employees seek more flexible work arrangements in the private sector.
- Disruption to agency operations during the transition back to pre-pandemic telework levels.
- Limited ability for agencies to adapt to changing workforce needs and technological advancements.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution is primarily related to Congress's power to oversee and regulate the operations of the Executive Branch, as outlined in Article I, Section 8. Congress has broad authority to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, which includes setting policies for federal agencies and their employees.
There are no direct conflicts with specific constitutional rights, such as those protected by the First Amendment or the Fourth Amendment. However, potential impacts on individual liberties, such as the right to privacy or freedom of movement, could arise depending on how agencies implement the new telework policies.
Overall, the bill appears to fall within the scope of Congress's constitutional authority to manage the federal workforce and ensure the efficient operation of government agencies.
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).