Staff Reports
Under President Biden’s watch, telework has evolved into a circus act known as the “Feds Gone Wild,” and not in a way that would make anyone proud. A new Senate report has uncovered a laundry list of shenanigans perpetrated by government workers who seem to think that “working from home” translates to “living it up at home.” The report details how federal employees have been spotted taking bubble baths, engaging in less-than-legal drinking and driving, and even sourcing medical care—all while supposed to clock in for work.
One particularly notable case involves a Social Security Administration employee who turned his telework arrangement into a side hustle extravaganza. This employee had no qualms about getting his family involved in his little scheme; his mother and wife assisted him in accessing the Social Security computer system to clock time on duty while he was busy running his own business. This level of chicanery would be amusing if it weren’t so troubling.
Senator Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican who has been shining a spotlight on these outrageous practices, reported that some workers see telework as a license to pursue leisure. Among a group of agricultural inspectors, one employee painted a picture of teleworking as akin to a perpetual vacation, with hardly any work piling up on their desks. Essentially, all that was mandated was to remain available by phone—like being on call as the world spins, but with less responsibility.
The fallout from this telework trend has left federal buildings resembling ghost towns. Faced with this vacant office epidemic, agencies are scratching their heads about what to do next. Ironically, they continue to cling to their empty spaces—not for any legitimate operational reasons, but out of fear of losing their prestige. Instead of scaling back the unnecessarily spacious setups, officials insist on holding onto them in case the absent employees decide to grace them with their presence once again.
Telework has become a bit of a Feds-gone-wild situation under President Biden, according to a new Senate report that says government workers have been caught taking bubble baths, drinking and driving or getting medical treatment — all while they were… https://t.co/l00uKAB57X
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 5, 2024
Meanwhile, the average American continues to struggle to reach government services, particularly veterans in dire need of care. Reports have surfaced of veterans unable to book critical mental health appointments, highlighting the striking disconnect between employees enjoying their telework perks and the urgent needs facing those they are meant to serve. In a cringe-worthy incident, one Army veteran relayed his experience of trying to secure therapy only to find himself opposite a therapist more interested in peppering her session with tales of teleworking bliss, complete with a cat—clearly focused on her own comforts rather than the one in need.
Senator Ernst underscored the absurdity of agencies like Social Security competing with the Veterans Affairs Department in a twisted telework arms race, with each trying to outdo the other in remote work offerings. While this may enable VA employees to lead their most luxurious lives, it starkly undermines the veterans they’re supposed to assist. The entire situation paints a disheartening picture of a government more concerned with internal perks than serving those who need it most.
