SWAMP Act

HR 514 (the SWAMP Act) requires most federal agencies to move their headquarters out of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area (encompassing DC, parts of Maryland and Virginia) within one year of enactment. It prohibits new headquarters in this area and restricts existing headquarters (already located there) from renovating, renewing leases, or signing new leases after the law takes effect. The bill mandates a competitive bidding process where states or local areas can propose relocation sites, with selection based on economic impact, relevant expertise, and national security considerations. Notably, agencies like Defense, Homeland Security, and intelligence agencies (including NSA and CIA) are explicitly excluded from this requirement.