US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB189

Introduced
1/3/25  
Refer
1/3/25  
Refer
1/4/25  

Caption

Securities and Exchange Commission Real Estate Leasing Authority Revocation Act This bill revokes the authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to lease general purpose office space and instead provides for the General Services Administration to lease such space for the SEC. The bill's provisions do not affect those leases entered into by the SEC before this bill's enactment.The Government Accountability Office must (1) complete a review under which it shall update a 2016 report with respect to independent leasing authorities, and (2) report to Congress on the review.

Impact

If passed, HB 189 will amend existing federal law regarding the leasing of office space, effectively limiting the SEC's ability to independently manage its real estate needs. By transferring this responsibility to the Administrator, the bill aims to streamline operations and enhance accountability in the use and management of federal resources. The change is expected to have a considerable impact on the operational procedures of the SEC and could lead to a reevaluation of how federal entities manage leasing of office spaces in general.

Summary

House Bill 189, also known as the Securities and Exchange Commission Real Estate Leasing Authority Revocation Act, proposes significant changes to the leasing authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The bill seeks to revoke the SEC's power to lease general-purpose office space, transferring that authority to the Administrator under Chapter 585 of the United States Code. This legislative move is aimed at centralizing the leasing process and ensuring that the SEC does not operate with independent leasing authority, which proponents argue will lead to greater oversight and efficiency in government operations.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 189 appears to be supportive among those advocating for increased government oversight and accountability. Supporters believe that revoking independent leasing authority will mitigate potential mismanagement and encourage a more structured approach to federal leasing practices. However, there may be concerns from those who argue that this change could hinder the SEC's ability to respond swiftly to its own operational needs, potentially leading to inefficiencies.

Contention

The primary points of contention surrounding HB 189 include debates about the implications of centralizing leasing authority. While proponents argue that it will improve oversight, critics may view it as an unnecessary restriction that could limit the SEC's operational flexibility. Additionally, discussions may arise concerning the broader impact this has on other federal agencies and whether similar changes should be implemented across different departments dealing with real estate and leasing matters.

Congress_id

119-HR-189

Policy_area

Government Operations and Politics

Introduced_date

2025-01-03

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB2689

To amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to transfer authorities and duties of registered national securities associations to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

US HB257

Stop Environmental Calculations Act of 2025 or the SEC Act of 2025 This bill prohibits the Securities and Exchange Commission from requiring issuers of securities to make climate-related disclosures that are not material to investors.

US SB284

"Georgia Uniform Securities Act of 2008,"; issuance of orders by the Commissioner of Securities directing persons who have violated certain securities provisions to return; authorize

US SB502

Relating to peace officers commissioned by the Health and Human Services Commission's office of inspector general.

US HB4419

Relating to peace officers commissioned by the Health and Human Services Commission's office of inspector general.

US SB2246

16th Section lands; revise leasing procedure for leases for oil, gas and mineral explorations.

US HB887

AN ACT relating to office space leases for the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority and declaring an emergency.

US HJR53

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to "Form N-PORT and Form N-CEN Reporting; Guidance on Open-End Fund Liquidity Risk Management Programs".

US HB7085

To amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to repeal certain disclosure requirements related to conflict minerals, and for other purposes.

US SB618

Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025This bill prohibits persons associated with the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia from purchasing or leasing agricultural land in the United States.Specifically, the President must prohibit any person (individual or entity) owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of these foreign governments from purchasing or leasing (1) public agricultural land that is owned by the United States and administered by a federal department or agency, or (2) private agricultural land that is located in the United States.A person that violates or attempts to violate this prohibition is subject to civil and criminal penalties. This prohibition does not require a person that owns or leases agricultural land as of the date of this bill's enactment to sell that land.Further, the President must prohibit a person associated with these foreign governments and who leases, or who has full or partial ownership of, agricultural land in the United States from participating in Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Exceptions are included to allow for participation in USDA programs related to food safety, the health and labor safety of individuals, or certain reporting and disclosure requirements.The bill excludes U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents from these restrictions.The bill also amends the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA) to require reporting on security interests and leases.Finally, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress on AFIDA.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.