Rick Larsen: “My biggest concern with the underlying bill is that it defines occupancy as the total number of employees physically…”

“My biggest concern with the underlying bill is that it defines occupancy as the total number of employees physically working from the offices at least 5 days a week. Many Federal employees do not actually sit at their desks at all because they are out in the field working. As the bill is currently written, these employees--as well as Federal employees who have approved alternative work schedules--would not be included in occupancy counts. This amendment makes a slight improvement to that definition, as was explained by the Representative from Massachusetts. The effort to count occupants in buildings is worthwhile, but only if we ensure that all occupants, including those who have been sanctioned and approved with their alternative work schedules, are included. This amendment will improve the bill, and I thank the Representative from Pennsylvania and the Representative from Massachusetts for their efforts. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 3 Offered by Ms. Hageman The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 3 printed in part A of House Report 118-419.”