Sen Joni Ernst wants remote government workers investigated: ‘We’re coming after them’
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) recently called for an investigation into government workers who are currently employed remotely. Ernst, who chairs the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee on government operations, is calling for greater oversight of federal employees she believes are taking advantage of remote work opportunities. “It’s pay-as-you-go government, it’s really expensive, and we’re coming after them,” Ernst said in a recent statement. “We want to make sure that taxpayer dollars are used in an appropriate and responsible manner, and that starts with making sure we do our due diligence when different agencies are embracing telework.” Ernst also noted that the investigation should not be focused on workers in lower-level positions, but rather, those higher up in the government structure. Ernst cited President Joe Biden’s executive order for a review of federal employment as an example of what should be done. The Biden administration’s review is intended to improve how federal agencies operate with telework and ensure that fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars don’t occur.