Jordan threatens to withdraw funding unless new FBI HQ relocates from D.C. – and he offers an alternative.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan Pushes for FBI Headquarters Move

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) is advocating for the relocation of the FBI headquarters outside of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area, proposing Alabama as a potential alternative location.

In a letter sent to House Appropriations Chairwoman Kay Granger (R-TX), Jordan expressed concerns about the politicization of federal law enforcement, which he believes is fueled by its concentration in the nation’s capital. The letter, dated Tuesday, can be found here.

As part of his recommendations for government spending in fiscal 2024, Jordan argued that the centralization of FBI operations in the National Capitol Region has led to duplication of activity that could be better handled by field offices. He also claimed that this centralization has resulted in reduced autonomy for local field offices and allowed improper political influence to taint law enforcement investigations and activity.

Jordan proposed specific language for his suggested provision, stating, “None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to build a new FBI headquarters. In addition, the FBI is directed to submit an operational plan within 90 days to move the FBI Headquarters out of the National Capital Region.”

He further suggested that the operational plan should consider the existing resources and infrastructure available at the FBI’s Redstone Arsenal Campus in Huntsville, AL.

Controversy Surrounding the FBI Headquarters

The current FBI headquarters, the J. Edgar Hoover Building, was constructed in Washington, D.C., during the 1960s and 1970s.

The federal government has been searching for a new headquarters in the D.C. area for over a decade. Maryland and Virginia are currently vying for the project, with the General Services Administration considering locations in both states.

Local reporting in Alabama suggests that the FBI’s presence at Redstone Arsenal is expanding. However, the bureau has stated that its facilities there cannot accommodate the 8,500 personnel it plans to house in the new headquarters near D.C. The FBI also argues that cutting its budget would negatively impact the support it provides to the American people and cites operational reasons for keeping the headquarters close to the nation’s capital, such as its proximity to the bureau’s academy near Quantico, Virginia, and intelligence agencies.

Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), who has advocated for the new FBI headquarters to be located in his state, dismissed the idea of a move to Alabama, stating, “ain’t gonna happen.” He emphasized that the decision should be based on what best serves the needs of the agency, and since the FBI wants to remain in the D.C. metro area, that is where it will likely stay.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle responded to the discussion by expressing support for the FBI’s presence in Huntsville and stating that the city will back whatever decision Congress deems best for the country.

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