WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) spoke on the House Floor Monday in support of the “Use It Act,” legislation that would direct federal agencies to fill and monitor unused space in public buildings and federally leased space.
The full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below:
Mister Speaker, today I rise in support of the Utilizing Space Efficiently and Improving Technologies or “USE IT” Act.
This legislation, which was introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Mr. Perry, directs the Office of Management and Budget, or OMB, and the General Services Administration or GSA to establish standard methodologies to measure occupancy in public buildings and federally leased space.
It also requires FSA and OMB to take steps to reduce or consolidate space if utilization rates fall below 60%. Currently, federal office space utilization averages 25% or less for most major agencies. This bill, which I’m proud to support, would ensure our federal workers are utilizing the workspace taxpayers are paying for.
Mister Speaker, it’s been four years since the pandemic. It’s past time federal workers return to the office where they are most efficient to ensure they remain accountable to the taxpayers.
You can watch the speech here.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://johnrose.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-rose-support-bill-targeting-remote-work-empty-government-buildings