No Wasted Space Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 14, 2026
Bottom line
The "No Wasted Space Act" creates a temporary, self-funded commission to explore and recommend future uses and funding strategies for the vacant Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the "Commission to Study Potential Uses of the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall," composed of nine members appointed by congressional leadership and the Smithsonian. The Commission is tasked with preparing a report on potential uses, a fund-raising plan, and legislative recommendations for the building's future, all to be submitted to the President and Congress within one year of its first meeting. The bill specifies that the Commission will be self-funded through contributions and its members will serve without pay, though they will receive travel expenses.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the Arts and Industries Building is a valuable, underutilized asset on the National Mall, and establishing a dedicated commission is a pragmatic step to generate concrete, actionable proposals for its revitalization. They contend that a commission with diverse expertise, as outlined in the bill, can develop innovative and sustainable solutions for the building's future, potentially transforming it into a new cultural or educational hub without relying on ongoing federal appropriations for its operation.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that establishing another commission adds unnecessary bureaucracy and could delay action on the building, which has been vacant for an extended period. They might contend that the self-funding mechanism could lead to a lack of resources or influence, potentially resulting in recommendations that are not fully vetted or implementable. Some may also question the necessity of a commission when existing federal agencies or Smithsonian leadership could undertake such a study.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core purpose and mechanisms in a short amount of time.
Section 2
Establishment and Composition of the Commission to Study Potential Uses of the Arts and Industries Building
This section formally creates the "Commission to Study Potential Uses of the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall." It mandates a nine-member structure, with appointments made by the Senate and House majority and minority leaders (two each), and one member appointed by the Chair of the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents. Members must have experience in museum associations, family tourism, urban planning, and DC educational institutions, and federal employees are prohibited from serving.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a diverse, expert commission, with appointments from both legislative branches and the Smithsonian, ensures a broad range of perspectives and expertise will be brought to bear on the complex issue of the building's future. This structure is designed to foster bipartisan consensus and generate well-rounded recommendations.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that the appointment structure, heavily weighted towards congressional leadership, could politicize the commission's work, potentially leading to recommendations that serve political interests rather than optimal public use. They might also contend that excluding federal employees limits access to institutional knowledge.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for diverse expertise with political representation, aiming for a commission that is both knowledgeable and politically viable. The tension lies in ensuring that political appointments do not overshadow the need for objective, expert-driven recommendations.
Section 3
Mandate for Reports, Fund-Raising Plan, and Legislative Recommendations
This section outlines the core responsibilities of the Commission. Within one year of its first meeting, the Commission must submit a comprehensive report to the President and Congress. This report must cover issues like successful educational institutions, museums not near the National Mall, DC-based museums not in Smithsonian buildings, and the cost of converting the Arts and Industries Building into a modern museum. Additionally, the Commission must develop a fund-raising plan addressing public contributions and perpetual funding without federal appropriations, and propose legislative recommendations including appropriations levels and a future name for the building.
Section 4
Commission Operations and Financial Independence
This section details how the Commission will operate and be funded. Commission members will serve without pay but receive travel expenses. Crucially, the Commission is solely responsible for accepting contributions and paying its own expenses, explicitly stating it may solicit and accept gifts. It can employ staff, but these individuals are not federal employees. Federal agencies can provide technical assistance, but no federal employees can be detailed to the Commission. The Commission terminates 30 days after submitting its final reports.
The Commission may solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, or devises of money, services, or real or personal property for the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the Commission. Such gifts, bequests, or devises may be from the Building.
Section 4(a)(3)
Why it matters:It appears to be standard legislative practice to include broad language for gift acceptance. The "from the Building" part might be a minor oversight or an attempt to clarify that even assets within the building could be considered for the commission's work, though its phrasing is ambiguous. It's likely not intentionally evasive but could be interpreted broadly.
Case for: Supporters would argue this provides maximum flexibility for the Commission to secure resources, potentially allowing for the sale or repurposing of existing assets within the Arts and Industries Building to fund the study, thus reducing reliance on external donations or federal funds.
Case against: Critics might raise concerns about the ambiguity of "from the Building," questioning whether it implies the Commission could liquidate historical artifacts or structural components to fund its operations, which could be controversial. It could also open the door to conflicts of interest if potential future tenants or developers contribute assets.
Estimated impact: The impact is potentially significant if the "Building" refers to valuable assets or artifacts that could be monetized, but its exact financial scale is unknown and depends on interpretation.