Summary

Requires Congress to give express approval before any public federal building in the District of Columbia can be demolished (fully or partly) or undergo a "substantial alteration." Demolition is also barred unless there is an approved, finalized construction plan for the site. The bill defines which buildings count as "public buildings" and what kinds of changes count as "substantial alterations." A standard severability rule keeps the rest of the law in force if one part is invalidated.

• Congressional approval is required before demolishing (fully or partially) any public federal building in the District of Columbia.
• Demolition cannot proceed unless an approved, finalized construction plan for the site already exists.
• The bill defines 'public building' and provides a clear test for what counts as a 'substantial alteration.'
• A 'substantial alteration' includes changes that affect structural integrity, significantly change historical character, or exceed statutory thresholds.
• Amends existing property-management law to incorporate the new definition and procedural requirement.
• Applies only to federal public buildings located in the District of Columbia, not to buildings elsewhere.
• Includes a severability clause to preserve the remainder of the law if one part is struck down.
• Does not appropriate funds, alter tax law, or explicitly create new federal spending programs.
• Implementation will require coordination between federal property managers and Congress, likely lengthening planning timelines.
• May protect historically significant or mission-critical buildings from premature demolition or alteration without legislative review.