[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E30]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE ``OLD POST OFFICE DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2008''

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 16, 2008

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I introduce the Old Post Office 
Development Act to make fully useful to the government the nearly empty 
Old Post Office a unique, historic treasure located at 1100 
Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., owned by the Federal government's General 
Services Administration (GSA). For many years the Subcommittee on 
Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management has 
expressed concern about the waste and neglect of this valuable 
government site and has pressed the GSA to develop and use this 
building. The GSA recognized the need in 2004 and issued a Request for 
Expression of Interest for which it received many indications of 
interest. However, for no good or sufficient reason GSA has never 
proceeded to the next step.
  Because the building was designed as a Post Office in the 19th 
century, it's present design makes it virtually unusable without 
appropriate remodeling. During decades of underutilization the 
government has attempted to make the space suitable for office space, 
but its huge, cavernous central area on the main floor and the areas 
that surround the atrium could only accommodate a few very small 
agencies currently housed there, GSA has indicated that these agencies 
can be easily and economically relocated elsewhere in the District of 
Columbia.
  As we begin a new year, further delay in making use of a centrally 
located historic treasure can no longer be tolerated. Apparently, the 
private sector stepped forward when the GSA asked for indications of 
interest. GSA must respond without further delay. I will seek quick 
passage of this bill to assure that the taxpayers receive the value due 
long ago for this Federal site.

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