The FBI Needs Downsizing, Not $3.5 Billion for a New Headquarters

Lawmakers from Maryland and Virginia fought over which state should house the new site rather than whether the bureau even needs so many agents.

This week, after more than a decade of debate, government officials chose a location for a new FBI headquarters, replacing the J. Edgar Hoover Building that has stood in downtown Washington, D.C., since the 1970s. The new building, which will be located in Maryland, will be able to accommodate thousands of agents and is expected to cost billions.

The government has long advocated for a new building, with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) noting in 2011 that the Hoover building was "nearing its life-cycle age and exhibiting signs of deterioration" and "do[es] not fully support the FBI's long-term security, space, and building condition requirements."

A much more budget-conscious solution, which lawmakers seem not to have considered, would be to simply shrink the size of the FBI.

FBI officials wanted to keep the building in Washington, citing proximity to both the White House and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The bureau even suggested building a secondary facility in Maryland or Virginia to act as "a command center for cyber operations." But lawmakers from those states were unswayed, inserting language into a 2022 spending bill that directed the General Services Administration (GSA) to choose a new headquarters site from three options: Greenbelt, Maryland; Landover, Maryland; and Springfield, Virginia.

On Thursday, the GSA announced that it had chosen Greenbelt, where it would build a new facility in addition to a smaller facility in downtown Washington that could house up to 1,000 agents. The GSA noted that the Greenbelt location is very close to a Metro stop and would involve the cheapest and quickest timeline for acquisition and construction.

Each of the proposed sites had problems: According to an October DOJ inspector general report, the FBI was "concerned" that the Greenbelt site "was half wetlands and the amount of buildable space was far less than what was anticipated when the site was selected." The Springfield location, while most convenient to access the FBI training facility in Quantico, Virginia, "had multiple government agencies…that needed to be relocated, which the FBI believed would be costly, time-consuming, and logistically complicated." FBI officials found all three options lacking, but favored the site in Landover, even though it "had the worst mass transit access," according to the DOJ report.

No matter the site, the new headquarters won't be cheap: In its FY 2024 budget proposal, the DOJ asked Congress for $3.5 billion for the new building, which it says would house "at least 7,500 personnel."

But while lawmakers and government agencies have been arguing over where to house these many workers, they've largely ignored the fact that they could simply reduce the FBI's footprint.

Proponents of a new facility say that the Hoover building is too small to accommodate the size of the current FBI. In a 2011 response to a GAO report, FBI Associate Deputy Director Thomas Harrington noted that the building "houses just 52% of headquarters staff with the remainder at 21 off-site leased locations." Plans for the new headquarters refer to it as a "consolidation" effort intended to bring nearly all agents under one roof.

It's not clear that the FBI needs so many agents in the first place. From its inception in 1908 until the Hoover building opened in 1975, the FBI operated within the DOJ building. During that time, it mostly enforced interstate crimes like banking fraud or forced labor.

Over time, the bureau's mandate has increased dramatically—and excessively. "When the FBI first occupied the Hoover Building, it was primarily a law enforcement organization," the 2011 GAO report noted. "Since then, its mission has grown in response to evolving threats and now includes counterterrorism, counterintelligence, weapons of mass destruction deterrence, and cyber security." As the purview of federal law enforcement has expanded, especially since 9/11, federal agencies have expanded in turn.

Lawmakers have fought for over a decade about whether to consolidate the FBI's massive work force at a multibillion-dollar facility in Maryland or Virginia. They should have been considering a very different issue: how to shrink the expensive and expansive agency.

Comments

[Spiritus Mundi]

What was the last great FBI success? Dillinger?

[Dillinger]

just wanted to see a good movie.

[R Mac]

Ha

[WWestmiller]

That was just an IRS case. The FBI has NO constitutional authority and should be abolished. From it’s inception, the “state compact” creating the FBI was a direct violation of the Constitution.

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[JFree]

IDK whether FBI did actually begin as an interstate compact, but an interstate compact is EXPLICITLY constitutional

Art 1 Sec 10 Clause 3
No State shall, without the Consent of Congress….enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power

That means states cannot agree to share ANYTHING with other states without the consent of Congress. Not criminal identification. Not fingerprints. Not government documents. Not information on prisoners. Nothing.

The interstate compacts that I see that currently exists re some FBI function were established by Congress as early as 1934. Well after the FBI started. But in most cases, the states themselves didn’t join until decades later. Which indicates that the FBI is not being managed as if it is an interstate compact. But that’s a reform issue not a constitutional one. If you want to oppose and terminate the particular interstate compact, that’s a policy/legislative issue – not a constitutional one.

[Davy C]

Congress has the power:

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

An agency to investigate, and arrest people for, violations of federal law is perfectly constitutional.

Of course, the FBI has done many illegal and unconstitutional things, but you can’t say there’s no constitutional authority for them to exist.

[croaker]

The first bombing of the World Trade Center.

[Chumby]

Sunset the agency and use the money to pay down the exorbitant $33.7T federal debt.

[Davy C]

We could, but be aware that this would take it from $33.7T to $33.7T.

[mad.casual]

The FBI Needs Downsizing

FB?

[Dillinger]

prefer the assumedly lesser-funded BI

[R Mac]

I

[Davy C]

fbi. just make it lowercase. it helps them stay undercover.

[Longtobefree]

“nearing its life-cycle age and exhibiting signs of deterioration”

Kind of describes the agency as well as the building.
Get rid of it and them.
Refurbish the building into a homeless shelter for veterans (of the US military)

[Idaho-Bob]

(of the US military)

Sad that disclaimer needed to be added.

[croaker]

I wouldn’t kennel my dog in the type of housing the FBI building would become.

[Dillinger]

nothing says “thanks for your fortification efforts!” like $3.5bil.

[Nazi-Chipping Warlock]

Where did my country go?

Did the country I thought I lived in ever even really exist?

[Longtobefree]

Your country went under the bootheels of the statists.
Yes, it did exist once, but good men did nothing, because they could not be rude when it was necessary.
So to buck the trend:
Men cannot become women.
Women cannot become men.
The second holocaust started last month.
The earth is not flat.
Hunter’s laptop was never disinformation.
The FBO & DOJ are run by crooks.

(excuse me, someone is at the door – – – – – )

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

Robert Barnes’s excellent talk on why the FBI shouldn’t exist.

[Stars]

From a Trump perspective. Give me a break.

[Sevo]

Your TDS giving you a hard time?

[charliehall]

The Trump deranged are those who give any credence to anything the pathological liar says.

[Wizard4169]

Anybody who runs their mouth as much as Trump is bound to say something sensible every once in a while. Even if they’re right for the wrong reason.

[Jen Brooks]

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[croaker]

Gee, didn’t we have this same fight 30 years ago? Back when they moved IRS over to New Carrolton?

[Megan Brewster]

Hello,
The statement “The FBI Needs Downsizing, Not $3.5 Billion for a New Headquarters” suggests a perspective that challenges the allocation of funds for a new FBI headquarters. Here is an elaboration on this viewpoint:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a critical agency responsible for national security, law enforcement, and intelligence. However, the proposal to allocate $3.5 billion for a new headquarters raises concerns about the prioritization of resources and the size of the agency.

Downsizing for Efficiency:

Advocates for downsizing argue that a more efficient approach may involve streamlining operations, eliminating redundancy, and reorganizing existing resources. This could enhance the effectiveness of the FBI without the need for a massive investment in a new facility.
Focus on Core Functions:

Critics of the $3.5 billion expenditure emphasize the importance of focusing on the core functions of the FBI. Instead of investing heavily in a new headquarters, they suggest directing resources toward improving investigative capabilities, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and addressing emerging threats.
Telecommuting and Technological Solutions:

The modern work environment has seen a significant shift toward telecommuting and remote work. Critics argue that investing in state-of-the-art technology and remote capabilities might be a more cost-effective solution than constructing an expensive new physical headquarters.
Resource Allocation Critique:

The allocation of such a substantial budget for a new headquarters may be criticized as a misallocation of taxpayer funds. Some may argue that these funds could be better utilized in areas such as education, healthcare, or infrastructure, where there are pressing needs.
Environmental Impact:

The construction of a new headquarters may have environmental implications, including the use of resources, energy consumption, and the potential disruption to ecosystems. Critics may call for a thorough assessment of the environmental impact before committing to such a project.
Public Accountability:

Advocates for fiscal responsibility may question the necessity of a new headquarters and call for greater transparency in the decision-making process. Ensuring public accountability and justifying the expenditure becomes crucial in gaining public trust.
Alternative Real Estate Solutions:

Instead of investing in an entirely new facility, critics might propose exploring alternative real estate solutions. Renovating existing structures, leasing office space, or implementing shared workspaces could be considered as more cost-effective alternatives.
Prioritizing National Security Investments:

Critics may argue that while national security is paramount, there are other pressing needs within the FBI that should take precedence over constructing a new headquarters. Investments in cybersecurity, intelligence gathering, and counterterrorism efforts could be prioritized.
Long-Term Viability:

Questions may be raised about the long-term viability of investing in a physical headquarters, given the evolving nature of work and security challenges. Adaptable and flexible solutions might be favored over large, fixed structures.

In conclusion, the perspective that the FBI needs downsizing rather than a $3.5 billion investment in a new headquarters emphasizes the importance of fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and a critical examination of resource allocation in the context of national security and law enforcement.

[Davy C]

Next time tell your AI to read the whole article instead of just the headline.

[Terry Anne Lieber (Don't Feed Tony)]

Should President Trump manage to return to the White House his first priority and first job on day one should be this: fire any and all personnel who can be fired and disband all federal agencies.

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[Longtobefree]

Trouble is damn few can be fired.
The only way is by eliminating entire agencies.
Win-win.

[Anastasia Beaverhausen]

… but then what he’ll do is re-stock all those agencies with his own cronies. He’ll “drain the swamp” and then re-stock it with his own bottom-feeders.

[Wizard4169]

Yup. Electing Trump to “drain the swamp” has always made about as much sense as hiring Bre’r Rabbit to cut down the Briar Patch. Precisely zero draining the first time around, just rearranging the alligators. Since he shows no sign of having learned anything there’s no reason to expect anything different on a second go-round.

[Wizard4169]

Trump has no interest in reducing the size or scope of the government. His only concern is that he and his cronies should be in charge of it.

[Jerry B.]

Springfield Va. already has the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency East Campus, which has 2.7 million square feet of facility, and they’ve just started construction on more buildings.

https://www.nga.mil/defining-moments/NGA_Campus_East.html

[Vernon Depner]

Reopen the X Files.

[JFree]

They should have been considering a very different issue: how to shrink the expensive and expansive agency.

You don’t start by shrinking the agency. You start by eliminating things that are federal crimes.

[Vernon Depner]

The list of federal felony crimes should fit on a postcard.

[charliehall]

Okay, make a list.

[Truthteller1]

The bureau is little more than a modern day gestapo.

[Wizard4169]

Always has been. Hoover created the agency in his own image, and ol’ J. Edgar was about as slimy a creature as ever slithered.

[JohnZ]

Excellent point.

[Panhandle]

Any new building needs to be placed at the geographical center of the 48 contiguous (lower) States, which is about 2 miles NW of Lebanon, Kansas. There is plenty of land, a couple of regional airlines within 20 miles, and room to expand.

[Longtobefree]

And given only total electric vehicles?

[Davy C]

Why ignore Alaska and Hawaii? Put it in South Dakota near the Montana/Wyoming border where it belongs.

[Ajsloss]

Imagine how many more kidnappings and insurrections they’ll be able to thwart (and plan) from this palace!

[Wizard4169]

In fairness, kidnapping is one of the few areas where the Fibbies have actually done some good. Kidnapping for ransom is vanishingly rare in the US, and at least some of the credit for that goes to them.

[Johnathan Galt]

Downsizing? No, it (like every other Federal agency not completely abolished) needs to be completely deconstructed and reconstituted using a Federated model, peopled with term limited State employees assigned to Federal duty. No more Federal jobs, pensions, DC offices, DC appointed “Leaders.” Especially with the FBI, every agent should be empowered to investigate and prosecute any other agent in other States suspected of using Federal authority for political activism.

Tear it all down and start over.

[JFree]

a Federated model, peopled with term limited State employees assigned to Federal duty. No more Federal jobs, pensions, DC offices, DC appointed “Leaders.”

Generally that is how interstate compacts work. Except that those state employees are seconded to compact duty not to federal duty. That was how the education compact worked from the 1960’s on. Where seconded state ‘education’ employees were focused on the compact’s main idea at the time – how to test student progress at certain grades to enable students from different states to transfer from one state to another using more than just age-level stuff.

It was Ronald Reagan who eliminated that particular compact. By using the new existence of a federal DoEducation (which Carter created but to which he didn’t add any new authority) to sell that entire testing regimen to a private company (ETS) rather than let state employees ‘bureaucratize’ testing within their states.

[charliehall]

We have a massive wave of shoplifting, thefts of auto parts, and of illegal drugs. All run by interstate or even international organized crime. The nutty far left wants to defund police and the nutty far right wants to defund the FBI, when we need massively larger police forces and a massively larger FBI. The only question is whether they are actually on the payroll of organized crime or merely useful idiots. In any case, both are indeed idiots.

[Fetterman's Hump]

Build them a new, small HQ in Omaha. While the move happens, offer retirement incentives to reduce FBI head count. Finally, do a RIF if reduction goals are not met.

[Wizard4169]

They’ve approved $3.5 billion for construction. Who wants to start a betting pool on how much it will really cost? I know I’ll be shocked if it comes in below twice that.

[JohnZ]

Why does the FIB need a new building? Or is it because some local contractors drew up this scheme and made it look important to the congresscritters?
Why does the FIB need a building at all? It should be defunded down to the point where the only office is in the basement of a building, just large enough for two agents. The building should be located in the worst part of D.C., you know where THOSE people live.
While your at it, you guys in congress can also vote to defund the DHS, TSA, IRS, CDC, Dept. of Ed. Dept. of Ag., and about a hundred other needless government agencies.