I am in Wash DC; I am scheduled to work 3pm to 11pm. Because I car pool I sometimes punch in at 2:35 or 2:45pm. The clock is near the parking lot but far from my assigned work area so I punch in as I walk in the door. My punches are edited by my boss who says I am not "working" just waiting to work so we don't pay for your time from the punch in to 3pm, when you are expected to be at work. Can they do this? BTW I'm a CNA at a nursing home. Obviously it impacts my pay and when I get OT too.

If you are not working then yes, your employer can do this.