H.R.1460 - Drain the Swamp Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1460, the "Drain the Swamp Act of 2025," proposes relocating the headquarters of each executive agency outside of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The bill mandates that agency heads develop relocation plans by September 30, 2026, and implement them by September 30, 2030. These plans must identify a new headquarters location, maximize cost savings, ensure no more than 10% of employees remain in the D.C. area, and consider national security implications.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the General Services Administration (GSA) must certify the compliance of these plans. The Act aims to decentralize the federal government and potentially reduce costs associated with operating in the D.C. area.
The bill defines 'executive agency' by referencing section 105 of title 5, excluding the Executive Office of the President, and specifies the geographic boundaries of the 'Washington metropolitan area'.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 1460 would lead to a significant restructuring of the federal government's physical presence. Executive agencies would be required to move their headquarters, potentially impacting agency operations, employee locations, and local economies.
The relocation could lead to cost savings for the government, but also potential disruptions during the transition. The long-term effects would depend on the specific locations chosen and the effectiveness of the relocation plans.
Potential Benefits
- Potential Cost Savings: Relocating to areas with lower costs of living and real estate could reduce operational expenses.
- Economic Boost to New Locations: The influx of federal jobs and spending could stimulate economic growth in the areas where agencies relocate.
- Decentralization of Power: Moving agencies away from D.C. could reduce the concentration of federal power and influence in the capital.
- Increased Accessibility: Locating agencies in different regions could make them more accessible to the people they serve.
- Reduced Bureaucracy: Streamlining operations during the relocation process could lead to greater efficiency.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Disruption to Agency Operations: Relocating headquarters could disrupt agency operations and lead to temporary inefficiencies.
- Employee Morale and Retention: Many employees may be unwilling to relocate, leading to loss of expertise and institutional knowledge.
- Increased Costs in the Short Term: The relocation process itself would involve significant costs, including moving expenses, infrastructure development, and potential lease termination fees.
- National Security Risks: Relocating certain agencies could pose national security risks if not carefully planned and executed.
- Loss of Proximity to Policymakers: Being further from Congress and other key decision-makers could hinder communication and collaboration.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to be constitutionally permissible under Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers vested by the Constitution in the government of the United States. The relocation of executive agencies falls under Congress's authority to organize and manage the executive branch.
There is no explicit constitutional provision that dictates where federal agencies must be located. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
However, the implementation of the relocation plans would need to respect due process and other constitutional protections for federal employees.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).