TO TRANSFER FROM THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA TO TRANSFER FROM THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DEPARTMENTS, OR BUREAUS THEREOF, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES TO OTHER LOCALITIES THURSDAY, JULY 24, 1941 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, Washington, D. C. The committee met at 10 a. m., Hon. Fritz Lanham (chairman) presiding. The CHAIRMAN. The committee will come to order. We have met this morning to begin consideration of two resolutions introduced by our distinguished colleague, Mr. Sabath of Illinois, who is chairman of the Committee on Rules. They are House Resolution 209 and House Concurrent Resolution 36, which are identical in language. These resolutions refer to the matter of suggested decenralization of bureaus and agencies in Washington that can be moved elsewhere in order to alleviate housing conditions here for Government workers and others. Representative Dirksen, of Illinois, whom we are glad to have with us, has a few words to say before going to attend some other committee meeting and then we will hear from Mr. Sabath on the resolutions. (The resolutions referred to follow:) [H. Res. 209, 77th Cong., 1st sess.] RESOLUTION Whereas, due to the national-defense program, new bureaus and agencies have been created requiring additional office and working facilities in the city of Washington; and Whereas, due to the tremendous increase in the personnel of Government service which has resulted not only in an overcrowding and lack of office facilities but in a serious shortage in hotel accommodations, rooms, houses, and restaurant facilities; and Whereas adequate building and housing facilities may be had without delay not only in the city of Chicago but also in other cities favorably located where the cost of living is more reasonable than in the city of Washington; and Whereas, due to its central location and accessibility, many Government agencies conduct hearings and carry on other activities in the city of Chicago; and Whereas, if such agencies are located in the city of Chicago, the Government will save tremendous sums in rentals, traveling expenses, and the time of its officials, and the removal of such agencies to Chicago will afford Government employees lower costs in living, better working and housing facilities, and will tend for higher efficiency: Therefore be it Resolved, That the President is requested and authorized to direct the transfer from the District of Columbia to Chicago or elsewhere such departments, or bureaus thereof, and such independent agencies whose activities can be conducted at least as efficiently and economically in such locality designated by him. |