H.R. 10055: Congressional Authorization for Federal Building Names Act

This bill would limit when federal property can be renamed. In general, it says that a federal building, site, feature, or other real property that is named by federal statute could not be renamed or redesignated unless Congress passes a new law that specifically does so.

What counts as “federal property”

The bill defines federal property broadly to include:

• Geographic or administrative features administered by a federal agency
• Buildings, including public buildings
• Other real property or interests in real property controlled by the federal government

To be covered, the name must have been assigned by federal law.

Changes to naming authority

The bill also amends existing law governing federal buildings so that a building’s name generally cannot be changed if it was previously named by statute, unless Congress specifically authorizes the change in a new law. This would make it harder for executive branch officials or agencies to rename federally named property on their own.

Penalty for unauthorized renaming

The bill creates a new criminal offense for certain politically appointed federal officers or employees who willfully display an incorrect name on federal property or rename a unit of federal property without prior statutory authorization.

If the damage or attempted damage involved is:

• More than $1,000: a fine, up to 10 years in prison, or both
• $1,000 or less: a fine, up to 1 year in prison, or both

These criminal penalties would apply starting January 1, 2027. The bill also gives a 10-year statute of limitations for bringing a case under this section.

Overall effect

In practical terms, the bill would centralize control over the naming of federal property in Congress. It would reduce the ability of federal officials to change names on their own and would create penalties for unauthorized renaming or mislabeling of covered federal property.

Relevant Companies

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