Eleanor Holmes Norton: “I thank my good friend for yielding. Mr. Chair, I strongly oppose this amendment. This amendment would prohibit the use…”

“I thank my good friend for yielding. Mr. Chair, I strongly oppose this amendment. This amendment would prohibit the use of funds in this bill for the purchase or construction of any new building in the District of Columbia. The purchase or construction of new Federal buildings can save taxpayers money and improve government operations. The ongoing consolidation of the Department of Homeland Security's headquarters at St. Elizabeth's in the District of Columbia is a prime example of how new construction can result in significant savings for taxpayers. The Department is currently housed in more than 50 separate locations throughout the national capital region, and 79 percent of those leases will expire in the next 5 years. Consolidating the Department at St. Elizabeth's will reduce the Department's leasing portfolio and costs by at least 20 percent in accordance with the Reduce the Footprint policy of the General Services Administration as required by Congress and is estimated to result in $1.17 billion in savings. If this amendment were adopted, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Office of Intelligence and Analysis would be forced to extend expensive short-term leases at significant taxpayer cost. The consolidation of the Department at St. Elizabeth's is important for streamlining operations and coordination among key Department agencies and offices. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.”