Congress demands proof before feds relocate thousands of workers
S. 1171 — COST of Relocations Act · Filed by Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) · 3 cosponsors · Introduced Mar 27, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill requires federal agencies to conduct and publicly disclose detailed benefit-cost analyses before relocating more than 5% (or 100) of their employees outside their current commuting area. Agencies must submit unredacted reports to their Inspector General, who then reports findings to Congress within 90 days, including whether the relocation adheres to OMB cost-benefit guidance and whether real estate alternatives in the National Capital Region were properly considered. The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability for federal workforce relocations.
Why we flagged it
The bill's core function is procedural and transparency-focused: it mandates benefit-cost analysis and Inspector General review before federal agencies relocate significant portions of their workforce. It is fundamentally a governance and accountability measure, not a substantive policy change.
What the text implies
- The bill's reference to OMB Circular A-4 'as in effect on September 17, 2003' locks in a specific 22-year-old cost-benefit methodology, potentially limiting agencies' ability to use updated economic guidance or newer analytical frameworks.
- The requirement to compare National Capital Region real estate options for any relocation moving positions OUT of the NCR may create a de facto bias against decentralization, even when relocation to lower-cost regions would serve the public interest.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
Real estate firms in the National Capital Region; Federal employee relocation services and consulting firms