H.R.2046 - To require congressional approval before the sale, disposal, declaration of excess or surplus, transfer, or conveyance of Federal property with historical significance, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 2046 aims to require congressional approval for the sale, disposal, or transfer of federal properties with historical significance. The bill mandates that before any such action, a specified official must notify Congress of their intent. Subsequently, Congress must pass a joint resolution approving the proposed action.
This legislation defines a 'covered building' as any land, building, structure, monument, or site owned by the United States and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The term 'specified official' includes the President, heads of federal agencies, and any other federal official.
The bill seeks to ensure greater oversight and control by Congress over the management and disposition of historically significant federal properties.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to increase congressional oversight over the sale, disposal, or transfer of federally owned historical properties. It would likely slow down or prevent the sale or transfer of such properties without explicit congressional approval.
Federal agencies and officials would need to seek and obtain congressional approval, adding a layer of bureaucracy to property management decisions. This could lead to increased scrutiny and potentially prevent actions deemed detrimental to preserving historical sites.
Potential Benefits
- Preservation of Historical Sites: Ensures that historically significant federal properties are not easily sold or disposed of without careful consideration and congressional approval.
- Increased Public Input: Allows for greater public awareness and input into decisions affecting these properties through the congressional review process.
- Accountability: Holds federal officials accountable for their decisions regarding historically significant properties.
- Protection Against Undervalued Sales: Prevents the potential sale of these properties at undervalued prices, ensuring fair value for taxpayers.
- Enhanced Transparency: Increases transparency in the decision-making process related to the management of federal historical properties.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Bureaucracy: Adds an additional layer of bureaucracy to the process of managing federal properties, potentially slowing down necessary actions.
- Potential for Political Gridlock: Congressional approval may be subject to political gridlock, delaying or preventing necessary property management decisions.
- Reduced Flexibility: Limits the flexibility of federal agencies to manage their properties efficiently.
- Increased Costs: The process of seeking congressional approval may incur additional costs for federal agencies.
- Potential for Inefficient Use of Resources: Properties may be retained even if they are underutilized or costly to maintain, due to the difficulty of obtaining congressional approval for their disposal.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill aligns with Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States. By requiring congressional approval for the sale or transfer of federal properties with historical significance, the bill reinforces Congress's role in overseeing federal assets.
However, some might argue that it could potentially infringe upon the executive branch's authority to manage federal property, leading to separation of powers concerns. The extent of this infringement would depend on how strictly the law is interpreted and implemented.
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).