What does Preamble of Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled 'To prescribe Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture, and for other purposes.' The bill was introduced in the Senate on September 4, 2025.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025

What does POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES. of Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes the policy of the United States regarding the design of applicable Federal public buildings. Federal public buildings should uplift public spaces, inspire the human spirit, ennoble the United States, command respect, be visually identifiable, and, where appropriate, respect regional architectural heritage. The selection of designs for these buildings should involve substantial input from the local community. Architecture, particularly traditional and classical architecture, is the preferred style for Federal public buildings. In the District of Columbia, classical architecture is the preferred and default style unless exceptional factors dictate otherwise. If a building's architecture deviates from the established criteria, the design should command respect and convey the dignity and stability of the U.S. system of self-government. When renovating or expanding existing buildings that don't meet the criteria, the feasibility and cost of redesigning to meet those criteria should be examined. Redesign options, particularly for the exterior, should be given substantial consideration if feasible and economical.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. "2025 dollars" is defined as dollars adjusted for inflation using the Gross Domestic Product price deflator with 2025 as the base year. The term "Administration" refers to the General Services Administration, and "Administrator" refers to the Administrator of General Services. “Applicable Federal public building” includes federal courthouses, agency headquarters, buildings in the National Capital region, and buildings exceeding $50,000,000 in 2025 dollars, excluding infrastructure projects and land ports of entry. “Brutalist architecture” is defined as a modernist style characterized by a massive, block-like appearance with exposed concrete. “Classical architecture” is defined as an architectural tradition derived from Greek and Roman antiquity, and expanded upon by various architects throughout history. “Deconstructivist architecture” is defined as a style emerging in the late 1980s characterized by fragmentation and disorder. The “general public” excludes artists, architects, engineers, critics, instructors, building industry members, and those affiliated with organizations financially affected by public building decisions. “Traditional architecture” includes classical architecture and historic humanistic styles like Gothic, Romanesque, and Pueblo Revival.

What does GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR FEDERAL ARCHITECTURE. of Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025 do?

Federal agencies must adhere to Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture Preferred architectural style is classical or traditional, with consideration for regional traditions Design must embody architectural excellence and incorporate fine art Agencies must consider building sites in cooperation with State and local agencies Designs should be accessible to the handicapped and economical to build, operate, and maintain

What does GSA REQUIREMENTS. of Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025 do?

This section outlines requirements for the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) regarding architectural design for applicable Federal public buildings. The Administrator must adhere to a policy described in section 2 and Guiding Principles, and update Administration policies to advance the purpose of the Act. Architects reviewing building designs must have training or experience in classical or traditional architecture. A Senior Advisor for Architectural Design position is established, requiring expertise in classical or traditional architecture. In design-build competitions, experience with classical or traditional architecture must be considered as specialized experience. Advancing the purposes of this Act must be a critical performance element for the Chief Architect and relevant Public Buildings Service employees. The Administrator must actively recruit architectural firms and designers with experience in classical or traditional architecture for design competitions. If a design diverges from preferred architecture, the Administrator must notify the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, detailing justification, costs, and consideration of alternative designs. The notification must include a detailed explanation of why the selected design is justified, focusing on its beauty and reflection of American values.

What does GENERAL PROVISIONS. of Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025 do?

This section outlines general provisions for the Act's implementation. The Act does not impair executive department or agency authority. Implementation is subject to applicable law and availability of appropriations.

What does ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS. of Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025 do?

This section requires the Administrator to submit an annual report to specified congressional committees. The report must detail adherence to the policy of the United States described in section 2 and the Guiding Principles. The report concerns the carrying out of this Act.

Back to bills

Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025

Last updated: 9/4/2025 · Introduced: 9/4/2025

Author: Jim Banks (R-IN)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a policy that new federal public buildings should generally be designed in classical or traditional architectural styles, respecting regional heritage where appropriate.
The bill prioritizes designs that uplift public spaces, inspire the human spirit, and convey the dignity of the U.S. government.
The General Services Administration (GSA) is required to update its policies to align with these architectural principles and actively recruit firms with experience in classical or traditional architecture.
When considering designs that deviate from the preferred architectural styles, the GSA must notify the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, justifying the choice and detailing costs.
The bill mandates an annual report to Congress detailing how federal agencies are adhering to the established architectural policy and guiding principles.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 5194(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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