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.

Bill Number: H.R. 2046
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-03-11: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Last Updated: 2026-04-13T15:06:37Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This bill aims to protect federally owned historic properties by mandating congressional approval before any sale, disposal, declaration as excess or surplus, transfer, or conveyance of such properties. It ensures that decisions about these assets involve legislative oversight to preserve national heritage.

Key Provisions

Prohibition on Actions Without Approval: No "specified official" (defined as the President, the head of any federal agency, or any other federal official) may sell, dispose of, declare as excess or surplus, transfer, or convey a "covered building" unless two steps are followed:
The official must provide Congress with a notice of intent to take such action.
Congress must pass a joint resolution (a law requiring approval by both the House and Senate, and signed by the President) specifically approving the proposed action for that property.
Definition of Covered Building: This includes any land, building, structure, monument, or site owned by the United States that is currently or has ever been listed on the National Register of Historic Places (a federal list of locations significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill introduces a new layer of congressional involvement in the management of federal historic properties. Previously, federal officials could handle sales, transfers, or disposals of such properties under existing laws (like those governing surplus property) with varying levels of administrative review, but without mandatory congressional approval via joint resolution. This shifts authority toward the legislative branch for these specific actions.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Federal agencies may face delays and additional bureaucratic steps when managing underused or surplus historic properties, potentially increasing costs and complicating property management. It could limit executive flexibility in budgeting or reallocating resources tied to these assets.
On Citizens: Enhances preservation of cultural and historical sites, benefiting the public by reducing the risk of loss or degradation of national landmarks. However, it might indirectly affect communities if agencies are unable to repurpose or sell properties for local economic development.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could influence U.S. commitments under international heritage agreements (e.g., UNESCO conventions) by strengthening domestic protections for historic sites.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Congress: Gains direct oversight and decision-making power over historic federal property actions.
Federal Agencies and Officials: Including the General Services Administration (which manages federal properties) and agencies like the National Park Service; they must now seek legislative approval, altering operational processes.
Historic Preservation Groups and Experts: Organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation benefit from added safeguards against unintended loss of heritage sites.
The Public and Local Communities: Taxpayers and residents near historic sites may see improved long-term protection, but could experience slower changes to properties in their areas.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal Implications: Strengthens enforcement of the National Historic Preservation Act (1966) by tying property actions to congressional consent, potentially leading to more litigation if approvals are disputed or delayed.
Constitutional Implications: Reinforces the separation of powers by checking executive authority over federal assets (rooted in Congress's constitutional role in property disposition under Article I), but could raise questions about encroachments on presidential or agency prerogatives in property management.
Political Implications: Positions Congress as a guardian of national history, which may appeal to bipartisan interests in cultural preservation but could spark debates over federal efficiency and property rights during budget constraints. The bill's referral to committees on Natural Resources and Transportation and Infrastructure suggests focus on environmental and infrastructural aspects of historic sites.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2]

Cosponsors (11)

Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1]

Recent Actions

2025-03-11: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
2025-03-11: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-03-11: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-03-11: Introduced in House
2025-03-11: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

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. — issued 2025-03-11 — PDF (2 pages)