Ernst Announces Consolidation of Federal Buildings

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Edward Forst and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Scott Kupor to announce that the two agencies are merging under one roof, reducing unused buildings, and putting more federal office space to work.

Download photos from the press conference here.

"For years, I've been working to literally downsize government by selling off Washington's unneeded, unused, and deteriorating real estate, and today we are taking action," said Senator Ernst. "By consolidating two agencies under one roof, GSA and OPM are putting more office space to work. As the Trump administration puts taxpayers first, I'll continue to make sure every square foot and tax dollar are being used wisely."

"GSA and OPM are taking unprecedented action by coming together to fortify America's real estate portfolio and tackle the delinquent maintenance and vacancies that have plagued it for decades," said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. "We built a roadmap for federal agencies to operate under one roof and deliver what the American people expect-results that respect their tax dollars."

"This move reflects our commitment to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars while ensuring OPM employees have modern, efficient space to support their mission," said OPM Director Scott Kupor. "By consolidating under-utilized office space and partnering with GSA on long-term facility improvements, we are reducing unnecessary costs and focusing resources where they matter most, delivering results for the American people."

GSA will temporarily relocate to OPM's headquarters, the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building, starting in July, while GSA's 1800 F St. headquarters goes through a renovation.

Background:

In December 2023, Ernst exposed how federal office buildings were virtual ghost towns with her naughty list that showed not a single federal agency was occupying even half its office space.

In 2024, Ernst released her "Out of Office" report revealing the cost and extent of abandoned and underutilized government buildings.

Ernst has led the call to sell off empty and expensive Washington buildings, and her FOR SALE Act would put six pieces of prime properties in the nation's capital on the auction block to generate $400 million or more in revenue, while also canceling costs, including $2.9 billion for overdue maintenance. Her DISPOSAL Acteliminates regulatory hurdles to fast-track the sale of unneeded federal buildings.

Last month, Ernst joined GSA Administrator Edward Forst to announce that GSA's Regional Office Building in D.C. has been sold, saving taxpayers over $700 million.

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