No Wasted Space Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8810
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Natural Resources, 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-18T15:29:49Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation establishes a temporary commission to examine potential future uses of the Smithsonian Institution’s Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall and to develop recommendations for its operation and maintenance.
Key Provisions
- Commission Creation and Membership: Creates the Commission to Study Potential Uses of the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall, composed of nine voting members appointed by Senate and House majority and minority leaders plus one member appointed by the Smithsonian Board of Regents Chair. Members must have relevant experience in museums, family tourism, urban planning, or Washington, DC educational institutions. No federal employees may serve.
- Duties: Requires the commission to submit a report within one year of its first meeting covering:
- Successful educational institutions serving families in Washington, DC.
- Museums and cultural institutions not located near the National Mall.
- Washington, DC museums not housed in Smithsonian buildings.
- Tenants affected by federal office relocations.
- Costs to convert the building into a modern museum.
The commission must also prepare a fundraising plan addressing public contributions and self-sustaining operations without ongoing federal appropriations, plus legislative recommendations on funding levels, timelines, and a potential new name for the building.
- Administrative Rules: Members serve without pay but may receive travel allowances. The commission may accept gifts, hire staff at temporary rates, use volunteers, and receive limited administrative support from the General Services Administration on a reimbursable basis. The commission terminates 30 days after submitting its final materials.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill creates a new, time-limited federal advisory commission rather than amending existing statutes. It introduces requirements for non-federal funding models and legislative proposals for a Smithsonian building that currently operates under existing Smithsonian authorities.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: May affect the Smithsonian Institution and federal property management by exploring alternatives to current use and funding.
- Citizens: Could influence future public access, educational offerings, and admission policies for visitors to the National Mall.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Smithsonian Institution
- Congressional leadership and committees
- Washington, DC museums and educational organizations
- Local urban planners and tourism interests
- Potential future tenants or operators of the building
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The commission’s work focuses on a federally owned building under Smithsonian control and emphasizes reducing reliance on federal appropriations. Its bipartisan appointment structure and prohibition on federal employee members reflect standard practices for independent advisory bodies.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Natural Resources, 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.
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Natural Resources, 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.
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Natural Resources, 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.
- 2026-05-14: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- No Wasted Space Act — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (8 pages)