Drain the Swamp Act of 2023
If enacted, HB978 would significantly alter the geographical presence of federal agencies, which could lead to systemic changes within the administrative landscape of the government. Proponents argue that this would bring federal agencies closer to the populations they serve, enhance accountability, and diminish the perceived 'swamp' of bureaucratic influence in Washington D.C. Additionally, it could lead to job creation in regions receiving relocated offices, as well as stimulate local economies.
House Bill 978, titled the 'Drain the Swamp Act of 2023', proposes to require the relocation of federal executive agencies outside of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Introduced by Mr. Davidson, the bill aims to reduce the concentration of federal power and influence within the capital by mandating that agency headquarters develop a relocation plan by September 2024. This plan should be designed to maximize cost savings and ensure that, upon implementation, no more than 10 percent of agency employees will remain in the D.C. area. The bill explicitly excludes the Executive Office of the President from these relocation requirements.
Despite its intentions, the bill is likely to face criticism regarding the feasibility and implications of relocating established agencies. Critics may argue that the disruption of long-standing institutional knowledge and the potential loss of expertise could undermine agency effectiveness. Concerns about national security implications associated with displacing agencies, which often require close coordination with federal and local authorities in D.C., are also anticipated to be a significant point of contention. The logistics of moving large bureaucratic operations and the costs associated with such relocations are additional factors that detractors might emphasize.