H.R.189 - Securities and Exchange Commission Real Estate Leasing Authority Revocation Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.189, the Securities and Exchange Commission Real Estate Leasing Authority Revocation Act, aims to amend Title 40 of the United States Code. The primary goal is to eliminate the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) independent authority to lease general-purpose office space.
Instead, the General Services Administration (GSA) would be responsible for leasing such space on behalf of the SEC. The bill also mandates a report from the Comptroller General on federal entities with independent leasing authorities.
This report will update a 2016 GAO report, focusing on agencies that have had their leasing authorities rescinded or amended, their utilization of the GSA, and progress on implementing prior recommendations.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect of H.R.189 would be to centralize the leasing of office space for the SEC through the GSA.
This could potentially lead to greater efficiency and oversight in government leasing practices. The Comptroller General's report could lead to further legislative action regarding independent leasing authorities across the federal government.
Potential Benefits
- Potential cost savings: Centralizing leasing through the GSA might lead to better negotiation and reduced costs.
- Increased oversight: Consolidating leasing authority could improve transparency and accountability.
- Standardization: Using the GSA for leasing could lead to more uniform leasing practices across the government.
- Improved resource allocation: The Comptroller General's report could identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement in federal leasing practices.
- Streamlined processes: Centralized leasing could streamline the process and reduce administrative burden on the SEC.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential delays: Requiring the GSA to handle SEC leasing could introduce bureaucratic delays.
- Reduced flexibility: The SEC might lose some flexibility in choosing office space that best meets its specific needs.
- Increased workload for GSA: The GSA might face increased workload and potential strain on its resources.
- Transition costs: There could be costs associated with transitioning leasing responsibilities from the SEC to the GSA.
- Uncertainty: The impact of the change is uncertain and depends on how effectively the GSA manages the SEC's leasing needs.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, including managing government property and regulating commerce (which the SEC oversees). There are no apparent infringements on individual rights or liberties as defined by the Bill of Rights.
The bill primarily deals with the administrative functions of government and does not appear to overstep constitutional boundaries. The requirement for a report from the Comptroller General aligns with Congress's oversight responsibilities.
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).