On January 8th, as anticipated at the close of the 113th Congress, the House of Representatives and Senate voted overwhelmingly to reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA). In one of the first pieces of legislative…
Category: Congress
Insuring Against Terrorism: With a Senator’s Parting Shot, a Bill Is Blocked
As of December 31, 2014, U.S. insurance companies will no long provide coverage against acts of terrorism, and neither will the U.S. government back them in doing so. Those are the likely immediate effects of Congress’s…
The Positive Result of the Mid-Term Election
In last week’s election, the Republicans won majority control of the Senate and further solidified their control of the House of Representatives. This means that the Republicans will lead the 114th Congress when it convenes next year. Is this event…
Agencies Pay Lip Service to the Virtues of Long-Term Leases
On July 30th the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hosted a subcommittee hearing entitled: “GSA Tenant Agencies: Challenges and Opportunities in Reducing Costs of Leased Space”. The assembled witnesses included Norman Dong, the Commissioner of GSA’s…
Uncertainty Ahead over Terrorism Risk Insurance Act
As the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, uncertainty will surely rise over the impending expiration of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (TRIPRA). Under the program, the federal government caps losses faced by insurers…
Power Struggle in Hearing over FTC Space Needs
Two Art Deco sculptures adorn the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) headquarters at Constitution and Pennsylvania avenues, depicting muscular men wrestling rebellious stallions and symbolizing government’s role in controlling trade. But a contentious hearing on December 3rd…
Shutdown FAQ
**UPDATE: Since the 2013 Shutdown, GSA has issued a new policy determination that allows for the agency to continue operating and making payments from the Federal Buildings Fund. In the event of a prolonged shutdown, GSA would…
The Public Buildings Savings and Reform Act
On July 10th, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee gave unanimous, bi-partisan approval to move the Public Buildings Savings and Reform Act of 2013 (PBSRA) on from the committee to the House floor. Writing this legislation must have…
Tangherlini Confirmed as Administrator of GSA
Before closing up shop for July Fourth, the Senate confirmed Dan Tangherlini as Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA). Tangherlini had served as acting administrator since April 2012 and has been praised for reforms already…
“Better Buildings” Bill Introduced to Promote Energy Efficiency for Owners and Tenants
Reps. David McKinley (R-WV) and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced bipartisan legislation on May 23 that would facilitate landlord and tenant cooperation toward improved energy efficiency in commercial buildings. H.R. 2126, known as the Better Buildings Act…