Press Releases

Today, Representative Ben Cline (VA-06) was joined by 38 Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Biden demanding employees at Federal agencies return to in-person work to ensure timely constituent services.

Despite federal personnel having early access to the COVID-19 vaccine and accommodations being made to ensure social distancing in the workplace, there are still several reports of agencies that handle direct constituent requests operating at a subpar level, primarily due to telework.

"At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, agencies turning to remote work was a necessary precaution," Cline said. "However, as we've learned more about the virus and vaccines have become widely available, it's time for federal employees to return to the office. The months-long backlog constituents are facing to get a tax return from the IRS, a passport from the State Department, or benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs - to name just a few examples - is unacceptable. I call on President Biden to resolve this situation immediately."

In the letter, Congressman Cline and his colleagues ask for information related to agency staffing and for a plan as to how the Administration intends to address the concerns mentioned. The full letter can be found here.

Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.

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