Utilizing Federal Office Space Efficiently

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Utilizing Space Efficiently and Improving Technologies Act, or the USE IT Act.

This legislation, which was introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry), directs the Office of Management and Budget, OMB, and the General Service Administrations, GSA, to establish standard methodologies to measure occupancy in public buildings and federally leased space.

It also requires GSA and OMB to take steps to reduce or consolidate space if utilization falls below 60 percent. Currently, Federal office space utilization averages an unbelievably low 25 percent or less for most major agencies.

This bill, which I am proud to support, would ensure our Federal workers are utilizing the workspace taxpayers are paying for.

Mr. Speaker, it has been 4 years since the pandemic. It is past time Federal workers return to the office where they are most efficient to ensure they remain accountable to the taxpayers.

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