The "Commission to Relocate the Federal Bureaucracy Act" establishes a commission to study and recommend the relocation of federal agencies outside of the Washington, D.C., area, focusing on cost savings, infrastructure, and community input, with a goal of moving at least 100,000 employees.
Marsha Blackburn
Senator
TN
The "Commission to Relocate the Federal Bureaucracy Act" establishes a commission to study and recommend the relocation of certain federal agencies from the Washington, D.C., area to other parts of the United States. The commission will evaluate potential relocation sites based on factors such as financial efficiency, existing infrastructure, and community input, with the goal of transferring at least 100,000 employees of covered agencies. A report of the commission's findings and recommendations must be submitted to Congress within one year.
Feds on the Move? New Bill Aims to Shift 100,000 Federal Jobs Out of D.C.
The "Commission to Relocate the Federal Bureaucracy Act" sets up a team to figure out how to move a big chunk of the federal government out of the Washington, D.C. area. Instead of focusing on agencies like the Department of Defense, this commission is looking at moving non-security-related agencies—think the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Education, and others listed in Section 2 of the bill. The goal? To potentially save money and boost local economies elsewhere.
Spreading the Federal Footprint
This bill, if passed, would create a commission made up of heads of major federal departments and agencies. Their job, as outlined in the bill, is to scout locations outside the D.C. metro area that could be new homes for federal agencies. Within a year, they need to report back to Congress with recommendations. Key factors they'll consider, according to Section 2, include:
- Lower Cost of Living: Places where it's cheaper to live than the national average are top contenders.
- Ready-to-Go Infrastructure: They're looking for areas with solid infrastructure and available land for development.
- Local Industry Match-Up: The commission wants to find places where existing businesses could team up with the agencies.
- Telework-Friendly: If at least half the agency's workforce has been teleworking in the last five years, that's a plus.
- Economic Opportunity Zones: Areas that qualify as "opportunity zones" or meet specific economic development criteria get priority.
Real-World Ripple Effects
Imagine a software developer working for the Department of Energy. If their division gets moved to, say, a smaller city in a qualified opportunity zone with a lower cost of living and an existing tech industry, that developer might see a significant change in their housing costs and daily commute. Similarly, a local construction company in that city could see new business opportunities if a major agency builds a new facility nearby.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Community Input
It's not all smooth sailing. Relocating agencies is a massive undertaking, and the bill acknowledges the need to talk to local communities. Section 2 specifically requires the commission to consult with local government officials, business leaders, and residents. The bill's aim is to move at least 100,000 federal employees, which is a significant shift. While the commission is tasked with finding cost-effective locations, there could be challenges in ensuring that these new locations have everything needed to support a large influx of federal workers and their families. It also raises questions about what happens to the D.C. area economy as jobs move out.
###Connecting the Dots The 'Commission to Relocate the Federal Bureaucracy Act' is essentially a planning bill. It doesn't automatically move anyone, but it sets the stage for some potentially big changes in where federal work gets done and how that impacts different communities across the country. It also builds in some connections to existing laws by prioritizing 'opportunity zones,' which are designated areas targeted for economic development.