1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern and opposition to several pieces of proposed legislation that I believe will have devastating impacts on the federal civil service and the dedicated individuals who serve our country. As a federal employee with over 10 years of service, I have had the privilege of working alongside many passionate and brilliant colleagues who carry out their duties with integrity and commitment to our nation. The recent slate of legislative proposals, including the Show Up Act, Return to Work Act, REMOTE Act, DRAIN THE SWAMP Act, Federal Employee Return to Work Act, Federal Employee Locality Accountability in Retirement Act, Telework Reform Act, and Federal Employee Performance and Accountability Act, unfairly targets federal workers. These bills attack our professionalism, our pay, and our retirement benefits, undermining the foundation of the civil service. These measures do not enhance service delivery or create efficiencies; instead, they appear designed to inflict harm on the very workforce that keeps our country running smoothly. One of the most troubling aspects of these proposals is the implicit assumption that telework and remote work are not legitimate forms of work. In my role, I work in Chicago with team members from DC, Texas, and other duty stations. The flexibility of a hybrid telework-in-office schedule allows us to remain highly productive while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We have consistently met deadlines and ensured the success of our mission without delays or disruptions. Requiring employees to show up in an office simply to participate in virtual meetings with colleagues or facilities in other states is both inefficient and counterproductive. Moreover, the relentless attacks on federal pay and benefits add to the strain. These financial pressures, combined with ongoing legislative threats, take a significant toll on morale and make it harder for federal employees to focus on their critical responsibilities. I urge you to take a stand against these harmful and baseless proposals. Federal employees deserve respect and support for their unwavering commitment to public service. Instead of measures that degrade the workforce, Congress should focus on policies that strengthen civil service protections, promote work-life balance, and ensure fair compensation. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I hope I can count on your support to oppose these detrimental bills and advocate for the dedicated federal workforce that serves our nation every day.