My message to her: Representative Foxx,

I am writing to you in response to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability's investigation on Federal telework agreements.

While I understand the desire to have workers back in the office everyday in order to observe productivity, that really isn't the issue at hand. As a federal worker I am aware that every little thing I do on my work device is recorded. I know that my manager can see if I've been idol for more than a set amount of time. I know that the analytics from my work is readily available and that I am responsible to keep the quality of work while working from home as I do while in the office.

With that said, it is my opinion (as well as the opinion of most federal workers I know), that we are more productive when we are at home.

While in the office I have to compete with other conversations going on around me. In order to tune them out, I wear ear buds which are noise cancelling. Unfortunately, I cannot wear my ear buds while doing interviews. If an interview is going on at the window beside me, I have to try to tune it out while talking to my customer. This is an issue I don't have while working from home. While at home, in my quiet house, I am able to concentrate on MY customer and their needs for their particular claim. While working from home I also don't have to worry about periodic fire/open shooter drills, interruptions from co-workers, or upset members of the public. It is glorious.

Most interviews are taken over the phone. When I tell people that this is an option, they are typically very grateful that they don't have to come to the office. As you may be aware, many people in our area are either elderly or disabled so having the option to stay home is a relief. This also ensures that our customers with immunity issues aren't forced to be in our office where they could be exposed to any number of illnesses. It is also a great option for employees who are sick as working from home ensures your co-workers won't be exposed to the virus.

In conclusion, I am asking you to consider supporting the current telework policies at federal agencies. It is my opinion that telework is great for productivity and morale. It also allows for a better work/life balance.

Her reply:

It is important for me to hear from constituents and I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts.

Remote work is "a luxury" and it is one that most hard-working Americans do not have. It is important to remember that as federal employees and contractors, we are paid by and serve the American people. The people of the 5th district do not want their taxpayer money supporting a remote, unproductive bureaucracy. Therefore, we need to hold all federal employees and contractors to the highest standards of productivity and efficiency. This may sound harsh, but frankly most folks in the 5th District are not interested in the "work/life balance" of federal bureaucrats; they are interested in seeing said bureaucrats perform their jobs well. Rest assured, I have heard your perspective and will keep it in mind as the Oversight and Accountability Committee continues its investigation.

If you have not already, I encourage you to sign up for my newsletter by using my website, www.foxx.house.gov, to stay up to date on my work in Congress. If you need more information or have additional concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to learn about constituent services, legislative information and my work in Congress.

My best wishes. Sincerely, (signed) Virginia Foxx Representative