Senate Passes Bills to Improve Federal Building Security, Cost Transparency
Bipartisan legislation to improve security at federal buildings passed the Senate unanimously, as federal buildings face a wide range of threats including active shooters, improvised explosive devices, cyber threats, and more.
The Improving Federal Building Security Act (S. 3613) requires agencies to adequately respond to recommendations made by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) within 90 days.
Agencies can choose to accept or deny the recommendations but must state reasons why.
This comes as the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that agencies ignored 57 percent of such recommendations from 2017 to 2021, with agencies routinely blaming lack of funds.
The bill was introduced by Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Gary Peters (D-MI) and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL).
“Every day, Americans across the country visit federal buildings for work and to access critical services – and they deserve to feel safe and secure in those space,” said Senator Peters.
“This good legislation will make sure that when the Federal Protective Service makes safety recommendations for federal offices and buildings, they are quickly reviewed and taken into consideration. Federal agencies must do everything necessary to serve the American people while keeping public servants safe,” said Senator Scott.
The legislation also requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a way to monitor agency responses and to hold agencies accountable for “adopting sound, defensible security decisions.” DHS must report its findings to Congress each year.
Senator Scott called for quick passage in the House.
Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act
Another piece of legislation, the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act (S. 1258), passed the Senate by voice vote.
This bill is designed to boost transparency about the cost of federal projects.
It requires public disclosure of taxpayer-funded projects that are $1 billion or more over budget, or five years or more behind schedule.
The legislation requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to submit reports on such projects, detailing the reasons for cost overruns and delays, as well as estimates on the final completion date and price tag.
“My bipartisan bill ensures greater transparency and accountability to guarantee taxpayers are protected from funding blank checks for failed projects,” said sponsor Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA).
The bill now heads to the House for consideration.