Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
Official Time Reporting Act
A Republican bill with 8 Republican cosponsors · See all 8 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 19.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The Official Time Reporting Act requires the Office of Personnel Management to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the use of official time by Federal employees. This report must be submitted by March 31 of each year and made publicly available on the Office of Personnel Management website. To prepare this, agency heads must submit specific information to the Director by December 31 of each year. The report will detail the total amount of official time granted, the average amount per employee, and the specific purposes for such time. It also covers information regarding payroll deductions for union dues and the use of government property. Additionally, agencies must explain any increases in their average aggregate official time rate compared to the previous year.
Yes
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates that the Office of Personnel Management publish an annual report on official time usage on its website.
- Scored +2
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
The bill requires agencies to explain increases in the average aggregate official time rate.
- Scored +1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill increases oversight of the costs associated with official time, including compensation and expenses.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Would union members be better off under this?
The bill subjects union activities, dues, and the use of government space to increased federal reporting and scrutiny.
- Scored -2
Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise?
The bill increases transparency regarding union dues and the use of official time by labor organizations.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Transparency for Taxpayers: The bill requires the report to be made publicly available on a website of the Office of Personnel Management (Section 2(a)(1)(A)). This allows the public to see how official time is being used.
-
Greater Accountability for Agency Heads: Agency heads are required to provide an explanation if the average aggregate official time rate for their agency increases compared to the previous fiscal year (Section 2(a)(1)(C)).
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Detailed Oversight of Government Spending: The report must include the amount paid by the Federal Government to employees granted official time, including compensation, benefits, and expenses like travel or per diem (Section 2(a)(2)(H)).
-
Clarity on Government Property Use: The bill requires a description of any space designated for official time activities and the fair market value of any free or discounted use of government property by labor organizations (Section 2(a)(2)(I)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Administrative Burden on Agencies: The head of each agency must submit specific information to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management by December 31 of each year (Section 2(a)(1)(B)).
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Requirement for Additional Agency Guidance: The Director of the Office of Personnel Management must issue guidance to agencies regarding information submission and may need to promulgate additional guidance to assist agency heads in complying with the Act (Section 2(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates that the Office of Personnel Management publish an annual report on official time usage on its website.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would union members be better off under this? — The bill subjects union activities, dues, and the use of government space to increased federal reporting and scrutiny.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill requires agencies to explain increases in the average aggregate official time rate. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill increases oversight of the costs associated with official time, including compensation and expenses. Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise? — The bill increases transparency regarding union dues and the use of official time by labor organizations.
- 12/2/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 19.
- 11/7/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 10/31/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/24/2025
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 10/14/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Tim BurchettRepublican · Tennessee
James ComerRepublican · Kentucky
Michael CloudRepublican · Texas
Brandon GillRepublican · Texas
John McGuireRepublican · Virginia
Scott PerryRepublican · Pennsylvania
Gary PalmerRepublican · Alabama
Pete SessionsRepublican · Texas