Summary

Prohibits demolition or substantial alteration of a public building in the District of Columbia unless Congress gives express authority, and requires an approved, finalized construction plan before any covered demolition may proceed. It also defines “public building” and narrows what counts as a “substantial alteration,” and adds that definition into an existing federal statute. A severability clause preserves the rest of the law if part is struck down.

• Prohibits demolition or substantial alteration of federal public buildings in D.C. without express congressional authorization.
• Requires an approved, finalized construction plan before any demolition covered by the prohibition may proceed.
• Defines “public building” to include buildings and their grounds suitable for federal agency use or use by mixed-ownership government corporations.
• Defines “substantial alteration” to include effects on structural integrity, major changes to historic character, or work exceeding statutory thresholds.
• Adds the “substantial alteration” definition into 40 U.S.C. § 8722 to align statutory language.
• Does not appropriate funding or create a new enforcement mechanism in the text provided.
• Applies specifically to properties in the District of Columbia, increasing congressional oversight of changes to those federal buildings.
• Contains a severability clause so remaining provisions continue if part is invalidated by a court.