PRESERVE Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]
- Committees
- Oversight and Government Reform Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 14, 2026
Bottom line
The PRESERVE Act establishes a new process within GSA to protect and ensure public access to federally owned, publicly commissioned art when federal properties are deemed surplus.
What it actually does
This bill mandates that the General Services Administration (GSA) identify federal surplus properties containing 'covered art' and establish a Preservation Committee before disposing of such properties. The committee must develop a preservation plan to ensure the artwork remains publicly accessible, potentially through covenants in sale agreements or transfer to museums, and the GSA Administrator must certify implementation of this plan before any disposal.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is crucial for safeguarding valuable cultural heritage, much of which was commissioned with taxpayer funds and represents significant historical periods like the New Deal. They contend that without such protections, these artworks are vulnerable to loss, damage, or removal from public view during property transfers, and that the bill ensures responsible stewardship of these public assets.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while art preservation is important, this bill introduces additional bureaucratic hurdles and potential delays into the federal property disposal process. They could contend that existing GSA procedures are sufficient or that the new committee and certification requirements could increase administrative costs and slow down the efficient repurposing or sale of surplus federal assets.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and informed evaluation by any interested reader.
Section 2(a)
Covered Art Designation and Notification
This provision requires the GSA Administrator to determine within 30 days if any federal real property designated as surplus contains 'covered art.' If it does, the Administrator must notify relevant congressional committees and local Members of Congress within 60 days of this designation. This ensures that federal art assets are identified early in the property disposal process.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this early identification and notification process is essential for transparency and accountability, ensuring that federal art is not overlooked or inadvertently jeopardized during property disposal. It provides an initial safeguard for public cultural assets.
Critics contend
Some might argue that adding a mandatory 30-day determination and 60-day notification period could slightly delay the initial stages of property disposal, potentially adding to administrative overhead without a clear, immediate benefit beyond existing GSA inventory practices.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for early identification and transparency of cultural assets against potential minor administrative delays in the federal property disposal timeline.
Section 2(b)
Preservation Committee Establishment and Plan Development
This section mandates the establishment of a Preservation Committee for each covered surplus property at least 90 days before any demolition, transfer, or disposal. The committee, comprising 3 to 6 members including GSA art and preservation experts and external specialists, is tasked with developing a preservation plan for the artwork. This plan, which must be submitted to the Administrator and Congress within 90 days of the committee's establishment, aims to preserve the art to the maximum extent possible, including through covenants or relocation to other facilities or museums, and must be made publicly available.
Section 2(b)(6)
Condition for Real Property Disposal
This provision establishes a critical condition: the GSA Administrator cannot dispose of, demolish, or outlease any covered surplus property unless the Preservation Committee has completed its preservation plan for the art within that property, and the Administrator certifies to Congress that GSA is implementing the plan and that the covered artwork will remain 'publicly accessible' under future ownership or tenancy. This ensures that preservation is a prerequisite for property transfer.