Members clash over White House projects and art protections as GSA describes implementation steps

Members used the hearing to raise questions beyond disposals and utilization data, pressing GSA on aesthetic direction and protection of federal art. Rep. John Kiley asked about the president's executive order on federal architecture and whether GSA is implementing it. "It is going well," Acting Commissioner Andrew Heller said, noting GSA is hiring senior advisers and realigning projects to comply with the order.Tempering that enthusiasm, Rep. Dina Titus objected to imposing a single architectural style nationwide and asked how GSA will protect artwork and murals when disposing buildings. Heller said GSA can include covenants in deeds or retain ownership of artwork to ensure protection and said he would follow up with the committee with more details.Representatives also asked whether GSA had a role in the renaming of the U.S. Institute of Peace building; Heller said GSA had transferred the building back to USIP and had no formal role in the renaming and would follow up to clarify timing and communications."We certainly want to respect the artwork in any facility that GSA is disposing of," Heller said. Members sought concrete descriptions of legal covenants and preservation steps; Heller agreed to provide the committee with specifics in a follow‑up submission.