Senate BillS 2173Government Operations and Politics
For Sale Act of 2025
INTRO JUN 25· LAST ACTION JUN 25
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
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This bill matters because it represents a significant shift in federal property management by mandating the sale of prime real estate in Washington, D.C. If passed, it could generate substantial revenue, which the bill directs towards reducing the national debt, a key concern for many voters. It also signals a move towards potentially consolidating federal office space, which could lead to long-term savings in maintenance and operational costs, or conversely, create new logistical challenges for affected agencies and their employees.
Voters should care because the sale of these historic and strategically located buildings could dramatically reshape parts of the nation's capital. The prohibition on foreign ownership also addresses concerns about national security and foreign influence. If the bill doesn't pass, these buildings would continue to be owned and managed by the federal government under existing laws, potentially incurring ongoing maintenance costs and not contributing to deficit reduction in the same way.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Requires six specific federal buildings in Washington, D.C., to be sold by the Administrator of General Services (GSA).
This provision directly mandates the divestment of significant federal real estate assets, aiming to reduce the government's property footprint.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that federal agencies occupying these buildings must vacate and relocate to other federal buildings within 18 months of the bill's enactment.
This sets a firm timeline for relocation, potentially causing significant operational changes for several federal departments.
PROVISION 03
Prohibits the sale of these federal buildings to any foreign person, foreign entity, or entity with a foreign beneficial owner.
This ensures that these strategically important properties remain under domestic ownership after the sale.
PROVISION 04
Directs that the net proceeds from the sales, after covering implementation costs, be deposited into the general fund of the Treasury for deficit reduction.
This provision outlines how the financial gains from the sales will be utilized, directly impacting national debt figures.
PROVISION 05
Exempts these sales from certain requirements of environmental review, historic preservation, and offering property to assist the homeless.
These exemptions streamline the sale process but bypass established procedures designed to protect historical sites, the environment, and provide resources for vulnerable populations.
This bill matters because it represents a significant shift in federal property management by mandating the sale of prime real estate in Washington, D.C. If passed, it could generate substantial revenue, which the bill directs towards reducing the national debt, a key concern for many voters. It also signals a move towards potentially consolidating federal office space, which could lead to long-term savings in maintenance and operational costs, or conversely, create new logistical challenges for affected agencies and their employees.
Voters should care because the sale of these historic and strategically located buildings could dramatically reshape parts of the nation's capital. The prohibition on foreign ownership also addresses concerns about national security and foreign influence. If the bill doesn't pass, these buildings would continue to be owned and managed by the federal government under existing laws, potentially incurring ongoing maintenance costs and not contributing to deficit reduction in the same way.
KEY PROVISIONS
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high
Requires six specific federal buildings in Washington, D.C., to be sold by the Administrator of General Services (GSA).
This provision directly mandates the divestment of significant federal real estate assets, aiming to reduce the government's property footprint.
high
Mandates that federal agencies occupying these buildings must vacate and relocate to other federal buildings within 18 months of the bill's enactment.
This sets a firm timeline for relocation, potentially causing significant operational changes for several federal departments.
high
Prohibits the sale of these federal buildings to any foreign person, foreign entity, or entity with a foreign beneficial owner.
This ensures that these strategically important properties remain under domestic ownership after the sale.
high
Directs that the net proceeds from the sales, after covering implementation costs, be deposited into the general fund of the Treasury for deficit reduction.
This provision outlines how the financial gains from the sales will be utilized, directly impacting national debt figures.
med
Exempts these sales from certain requirements of environmental review, historic preservation, and offering property to assist the homeless.
These exemptions streamline the sale process but bypass established procedures designed to protect historical sites, the environment, and provide resources for vulnerable populations.
Federal agencies located in specified buildings must vacate and relocate.
Not later than 2 years after the vacancy of existing Federal agencies
Administrator of General Services must sell the vacant federal buildings.
GLOSSARY
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Administrator of General Services
The head of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the government agency responsible for managing federal property and providing products and services to other federal agencies.
Fair market value
The price a property would sell for on the open market when both the buyer and seller are well-informed, acting in their own best interests, and not under any pressure to buy or sell.
Highest and best use
The most profitable and legal use of a property, which often results in the highest value. This considers what kind of development or use would maximize its financial potential.
Beneficial owner
The true owner of a property or asset, even if the title or legal ownership is held by someone else (like a company or another person) for their benefit.
Federal Buildings Fund
A special account managed by the GSA that holds funds related to federal buildings, used for their construction, maintenance, and repair. Money in this fund usually requires Congressional approval before it can be spent.
General fund of the Treasury
The main operating account of the U.S. government, where most tax revenues and other funds are deposited, and from which most government expenditures are made.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JUN 25, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
JUN 25, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
When government spending exceeds its revenue over a specific period, typically a fiscal year. A budget deficit adds to the national debt.
Appropriation
A legislative act by Congress that allows federal agencies to spend money from the U.S. Treasury for specific programs or purposes. It is the legal authority to incur obligations and make payments.
