A bipartisan Senate bill meanwhile has been offered to create a base closings commission-like body to pave the way to address underused properties.
The commission, to include real estate management experts, would review the federal property portfolio and issue a report recommending consolidation or disposal. If approved by the President, the recommendations would be submitted to Congress, which would have 45 days to pass a resolution of disapproval. If no such resolution is passed, the recommendations would take effect. Agencies would be responsible for carrying them out within three years.
The commission would produce such reports every two years for 10 years.
The bill also would create a complete inventory of federal properties, including building condition, annual operating costs of excess properties, value, and utilization.
