S.Amdt. 6645

SA 6645, proposed by Mr. Tillis, adds the Judicial Space and Facilities Management Effectiveness Act of 2026 to the bill. The purpose of this amendment is to shift the management of certain judicial buildings and leases from the General Services Administration (GSA) to the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.

Key Changes and Additions

• Pilot Program: It creates a pilot program for the transfer of jurisdiction, custody, and control of real property in up to 10 judicial districts and the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building to the Director.
• Director's Authority: The Director is authorized to establish a Judiciary Buildings Service to acquire, construct, alter, lease, and manage court accommodations.
• Congressional Oversight:
  • Appropriations for construction or acquisition over $10,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) require approval by specific House and Senate committees.
  • Alterations to leased space exceeding $5,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) also require committee approval.
• Financial Management: It establishes the Judicial Space and Facilities Management Fund to handle the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of these facilities.
• Operational Shifts:
  • The Director can now manage the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, including assigning space and collecting rent from non-judicial federal entities or other persons.
  • The Director must provide reports to Congress every two years regarding the pilot program's execution and a plan for further transfers.
• Accountability: The amendment requires audits of the Space and Facilities Fund to be performed by an independent certified public accounting firm, with reports submitted to Congress.