In a bipartisan effort to bolster national security, the Senate has passed the Secure Adjacent Federal Property Act, authored by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI). The legislation aims to ensure federal agencies can better prevent unauthorized access and mitigate security threats to buildings leased by the federal government.
The Secure Adjacent Federal Property Act mandates a comprehensive security assessment process for properties located near high-security federal spaces.
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These assessments are designed to identify and mitigate risks such as espionage, cyber-attacks, and unauthorized access, which could endanger sensitive government operations and information.
Senator Rick Scott emphasized the importance of safeguarding federal facilities that handle sensitive information.
“The federal government must do everything necessary to serve the American people while keeping public servants and citizens safe from espionage and terrorist attacks,” said Scott. “This legislation ensures that federal facilities are protected from foreign entities seeking to harm Americans and our way of life. I urge the House to pass this critical legislation swiftly.”
“Federal agencies often store sensitive materials in office buildings,” Peters stated. “By ensuring the government is vigilant about security threats to these physical spaces, we can strengthen national security and prevent foreign adversaries and other malicious actors from stealing critical information.”
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The legislation responds to repeated warnings from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) about vulnerabilities in federally leased properties. The GAO has highlighted that individuals could exploit security gaps to gain unauthorized access to spaces housing classified operations or sensitive data.
The bill establishes a government-wide framework for assessing security risks in spaces adjacent to federally leased properties, ensuring a more consistent and proactive approach to security.
Key Provisions
- Interagency Collaboration: The General Services Administration (GSA) will coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and other relevant agencies to develop the assessment process.
- Security Assessments: A standardized process will evaluate the risks posed by adjacent properties and occupancies.
- Enhanced Guidance: Federal agencies will receive clear, actionable guidance to secure sensitive office spaces against espionage and other threats.
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The Senate’s passage of the Secure Adjacent Federal Property Act marks a significant step toward improving the security of federally leased spaces. The bill now moves to the House, where lawmakers will decide its future. Advocates hope for swift passage, citing the urgent need to address potential vulnerabilities.
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