Republicans block launch of new FBI headquarters after controversy over location

August 2, 2023

Republicans are seeking to block the creation of a new FBI headquarters after controversy over the location.

The debate has continued over whether to construct the headquarters in Maryland or Virginia, with some opposing any new site.

Greene's view

“I’m not voting for funding for that. I’m not voting for any weaponization of government. And that’s what the FBI is right now — they’re completely rogue,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) said.

“The FBI has been targeting President Trump, his administration, people on his staff, and they continue to stay more focused on people that walked into the Capitol on Jan. 6 rather than local crime, and local crime is out of control," Greene said. "And so, no, I refuse to fund anything like that brand-new facility.”

A southern alternative?

"Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., floated Fargo, North Dakota; Omaha, Nebraska; or Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as potential sites for the new headquarters. Meanwhile, House GOP Policy Chairman Gary Palmer, R-Ala., likes an idea proposed by House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio: The HQ could be moved to the FBI’s expanding Redstone Arsenal Campus in Huntsville, Alabama," NBC News reported.

“We already have a huge facility in Huntsville, Alabama, that the FBI just built,” Palmer said in an interview. “That could accommodate them and that facility can accommodate expansion, so we don’t need another $4 to 5 billion expense for another building.”

Youngkin pushes for Virginia

"Lawmakers in Virginia, along with Governor Glenn Youngkin, are once again making their case for the new FBI headquarters to be built in Springfield," Fox 5 DC reported.

"A letter from the commonwealth's congressional delegation says the site offers the FBI a partnership and a spot that exceeds the selection criteria in every category – despite recent changes announced by the GSA," it continued.

The site is one of three current sites under review in the plan. Greenbelt and Landover in Maryland are the other two locations.

The FBI's controversy is certain to continue as the agency faces more scrutiny over its politicized actions in recent years.

The frustration with the agency is now even making its plans for a new headquarters more difficult than usual, with some seeking to stop a new building of any kind.


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