Bill · S. 22· Senate(119-S-22)
SWAMP Act
- Introduced
- 1/7/2025
- Last activity
- 1/7/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Joni Ernst
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "SWAMP Act," aims to establish a competitive bidding process for moving the headquarters of Executive agencies. It prohibits the headquarters of an Executive agency from being located in the Washington metropolitan area, though existing headquarters may remain. For those that stay, the law forbids new construction, major renovations, or entering into new or renewed lease agreements. The Administrator of General Services is tasked with creating a process where States or political subdivisions can submit proposals for these relocations. Selection will be based on economic impact, expertise in the agency's mission, and national security interests.
Yes· 3 of 6
Is this likely to create jobs?+5
The bill requires consideration of economic impact and workforce development when selecting relocation sites.
Does this invest in rural communities?+4
The bill allows any political subdivision to submit proposals, potentially benefiting rural areas seeking new agency headquarters.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill requires the Administrator of General Services to provide the public with notice and an opportunity to comment on relocation proposals.
The opposite
Would people in cities be better off under this?-4
Residents in the Washington metropolitan area may face negative economic impacts from the loss of agency headquarters and restrictions on local construction.
Does this make housing cost less?-2
The restriction on new construction and lease renewals in the Washington metropolitan area may impact local housing and development.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Economic and Workforce Development: The bidding process requires consideration of how a relocation impacts the economy and workforce development of a State or political subdivision (Section 2(c)(2)(C)(i)).
-
Expertise-Based Placement: Proposals can be evaluated based on whether a State or political subdivision has expertise in activities similar to the mission of the agency being moved (Section 2(c)(2)(C)(ii)).
-
Cost Offsets: The Administrator of General Services is permitted to use proceeds from the sale of Federal buildings or land to help pay for the costs of moving headquarters (Section 2(e)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restrictions on Existing Headquarters: Agencies that remain in the Washington metropolitan area are prohibited from undertaking new construction, major renovations, or renewing or entering into new lease agreements (Section 2(b)(3)).
-
Funding Limitations: The Administrator of General Services must carry out this Act using amounts already made available to them, as no additional funds are authorized to be appropriated for this purpose (Section 2(f)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+5Improves Economic Growth+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Business Owners+3Good For Urban Residents-4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing-2
- 1/7/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.