In response to reports of federal remote workers failing to show up for work, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) has called for an investigation of those employees. “We have got to have an investigation and we’re coming after them. I’m really upset about this. There have been far too many instances of people taking advantage of the system…”
The senator suggested possible criminal or administrative punishment if her investigation revealed that employees had taken advantage of the federal system. Ernst added that it’s important for the investigation to occur, so that we can “determine whether or not there was any falsification or any misuse of taxpayer dollars.”
The senator’s comments come in the midst of high unemployment figures, which have forced many people to stay separated from their employment in the federal government and put even more strain upon the government’s resources. It’s unclear if the investigation will come to fruition or what measures will be taken if it does, but it’s clear that the senator is sending a message: no one should be taking advantage of the system.
