Plain Language Summary
# ROOMIE Act Summary **What It Would Do** The ROOMIE Act would require federal agencies to bring most of their employees back to physical office buildings. Specifically, the bill mandates that at least 80% of each agency's employees work on-site and that agencies use at least 60% of their office space. Any agencies that don't have enough employees to fill 60% of their space would need to submit a plan to Congress explaining how they'll meet the requirement—potentially by sharing office space with other federal agencies or hiring more staff. Agencies would have 120 days to update their policies and one year to submit compliance plans if needed. **Who It Affects and Key Details** This bill directly affects federal employees and federal agencies across government.
It essentially reverses the remote and flexible work arrangements many agencies implemented during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government Accountability Office would be tasked with monitoring whether agencies comply with these new requirements. The bill would also push agencies to sell or end leases on office space they're not actively using, potentially saving money on unused real estate. **Current Status** The bill (S. 102) was introduced by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Reinforce Occupancy Obligations for Maximized Interagency Efficiency Act or the ROOMIE ActThis bill establishes occupancy requirements for federal office buildings and directs agencies to sell or terminate leases on unused office space. The bill directs agencies to amend their policies within 120 days of the bill's enactment to require not less than 80% of the agency's employees to work on site. The policies must also ensure that at least 60% of the usable square feet of the agency's office space is occupied by agency employees. Agencies that do not employ enough individuals to occupy 60% of the agency's office space must provide an occupancy plan to the General Services Administration and Congress detailing how it will meet that goal, particularly by working with other federal agencies. The plan must be submitted within one year of the bill's enactment.The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress regarding agencies' compliance with these requirements.Agencies that do not comply with these requirements must sell their properties, terminate leases, or not renew leases, as applicable.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.