Duval Times

Bipartisan legislation aimed at securing federal government buildings from foreign adversaries has passed the Senate. The Secure Adjacent Federal Property Act, authored by Senator Rick Scott and Senator Gary Peters, seeks to prevent unauthorized access to buildings leased by the federal government. The legislation mandates that the federal government assess nearby properties for potential espionage opportunities, cyber-attacks, or unauthorized access.

Senator Rick Scott emphasized the importance of protecting federal facilities containing sensitive information from foreign entities. "The federal government must do everything necessary to serve the American people while keeping public servants and the American people safe from espionage and terrorist attacks," he stated. He urged the House to pass this legislation to enhance national security.

Senator Gary Peters highlighted the necessity of vigilance in safeguarding office buildings where sensitive materials are stored. "By ensuring the government is vigilant about security threats to these physical spaces, we can strengthen national security and prevent foreign adversaries and other malicious actors from stealing critical information," he said.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has raised concerns about vulnerabilities in federal agencies due to potential exploitation of security loopholes. The new legislation aims to provide guidance across government agencies to ensure that spaces near high-security leased properties do not threaten sensitive materials' safety and security.

The Act requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to coordinate with several federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and Federal Protective Service (FPS), among others. They will establish a process for assessing security risks in spaces adjacent to high-security areas leased by the federal government.