Bill > HR5194

This bill, called the "Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025", establishes comprehensive guidelines for the design and construction of federal public buildings, with a strong preference for classical and traditional architectural styles. The bill defines "applicable federal public buildings" as courthouses, federal agency headquarters, buildings in the National Capital region, and other public buildings costing over $50 million, and sets out a policy that these buildings should uplift public spaces, inspire the human spirit, command respect, and be visually identifiable as civic structures. The General Services Administration (GSA) is required to prioritize classical and traditional architecture, ensure architects involved in design review have expertise in these styles, and create a new Senior Advisor for Architectural Design position. If the GSA proposes to use a non-preferred architectural style like Brutalist or Deconstructivist design, it must submit a detailed notification to the White House explaining why the alternative design is justified and how it compares to traditional designs in terms of cost and aesthetic qualities. The bill also mandates that design selection should involve substantial local community input, respect regional architectural heritage, and incorporate fine art by living American artists. An annual report to Congress will track adherence to these architectural principles, though the bill explicitly states that it does not create any legally enforceable rights.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5194/all-info