November 7, 2023 – Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer: Chavez-DeRemer Introduces Legislation to Rein in Unnecessary Spending on Federal Office Space, Address Safety Issues Near Public Buildings
Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), the vice chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, introduced new legislation that seeks to save taxpayer dollars by reforming federal government real estate practices. Specifically, the proposal would require the General Service Administration (GSA) to notify Congress in the event of rent escalations and provide detailed reports to Congress on office space utilization rates. It would also encourage federal agencies to share space to improve collaboration and rein in unnecessary spending on office space.
Additionally, Chavez-DeRemer introduced a separate proposal to study public safety issues in areas surrounding federal office buildings to protect federal employees.
“By shining a light on office space utilization and requiring congressional notification for rent hikes, we can ensure the federal government isn’t wasting Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars on unused and unnecessary real estate,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “At the same time, I want to ensure federal employees don’t feel threatened or endangered in or around the workplace. These efforts will help improve safety for our federal workforce while reining in unnecessary spending.”
The GSA exists to support federal government agencies, including by providing real estate solutions. Chavez-DeRemer’s Federal Oversight of Construction Use and Safety (FOCUS) Act would make commonsense reforms to the GSA’s real estate practices by:
- Requiring congressional notification for price escalations of five percent or more;
- Requiring reports to Congress detailing office space utilization rates, consolidations, and reasons if not consolidating;
- Requiring a report on the utilization of fitness and conference centers so these can be consolidated if necessary; and
- Encouraging federal agencies with similar missions to share information regarding space available to improve collaboration and reduce real estate costs.
Separately, Chavez-DeRemer introduced the Impact of Crime on Public Building Usage Act. This bill requires the comptroller general to study the impact of crime, including the use of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, on workers’ utilization of public buildings.
Full text of the FOCUS Act is available HERE.
Full text of the Impact of Crime on Public Building Usage Act is available HERE.
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