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119-s-2891119th Congress

Democracy in Design Act

Sponsored By: Senator Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

Introduced

Summary

Requires federal public buildings to follow the 1962 "Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture." This bill would direct the General Services Administration to make sure public building design aligns with that historic guidance and to set minimum design standards.

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  • Public buildings: Projects owned or managed by the federal government would be required to meet minimum design standards based on the 1962 Guiding Principles.
  • General Services Administration: The GSA Administrator would have to issue and enforce regulations implementing the standards and do so within 180 days after enactment.
  • Architects and contractors: Designers and builders on federal projects would need to follow the new standards, which could change planning, review, and construction requirements.
  • Public participation: Rulemaking must include notice and an opportunity for public comment under the Administrative Procedure Act.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New federal public building design rules

This bill would require the Administrator of General Services to make federal public buildings follow the "Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture" (June 1, 1962). It would require the GSA Administrator to write regulations and set minimum design standards for public buildings (40 U.S.C. § 3301(a)) within 180 days after enactment. The rules must be issued after notice and a public comment period under 5 U.S.C. § 553. If enacted, federal designers, architects, contractors, and GSA project staff would need to follow the new standards and projects could see changes to design, procurement, timelines, and possibly costs.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

MD • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 9/18/2025

  • Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]

    HI • D

    Sponsored 9/30/2025

  • Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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