Westbank Louisiana News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) have initiated an inquiry into the Department of Education’s telework policies, expressing concerns about the impact of remote work on the agency's efficiency. The senators raised these concerns in a letter addressed to Secretary Cardona, highlighting the need for clarity on the current telework situation at the DeptEd.

In their letter, the senators emphasized the potential negative consequences of the DeptEd's telework policies on fulfilling its obligations to students and families. They stated, "DeptEd’s lax telework policies are especially concerning given its apparent inability to fulfill its statutory responsibilities." The senators also pointed out that having employees fully present in person could help the agency avoid various issues it currently faces.

The senators' inquiry comes in the wake of reports indicating that DeptEd employees are still extensively teleworking despite the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The senators highlighted concerns about the impact of telework on the agency's ability to implement important programs like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which has experienced delays affecting students and families.

The letter to Secretary Cardona requested specific information regarding the DeptEd's telework policies, including any planned changes, internal studies on productivity impacts, and measures to protect sensitive data while employees work from home. The senators emphasized the importance of understanding the current telework situation at DeptEd to inform budget decisions for the agency.

As the senators seek answers from the Department of Education, the inquiry sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding telework policies in federal agencies and their implications for operational effectiveness.

For more information and updates from HELP Republicans, visit their website or follow them on Twitter at @GOPHELP.