House Republicans faced a barrage of criticism from supporters of former President Trump's MAGA movement after they opposed a measure that would have withheld $375 million earmarked for the construction of a new FBI headquarters. The proposal for the new site in Greenbelt, Maryland, part of a comprehensive $1.7 trillion budget for fiscal 2023, is seen as a significant upgrade from the current dilapidated structure on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C.
Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, a staunch conservative, led the charge against the funding in a congressional session dedicated to amendments to the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act for 2024. Gaetz has previously attempted to block the project, denouncing what he perceives as questionable practices by the FBI's Washington field office, "I don't believe that the FBI deserves a massive new headquarters...building a new headquarters would condone, reinforce and enable the Washington field office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's nefarious behavior," he declared.
Arkansas Representative Steve Womack countered Gaetz's argument, emphasizing the need for institutional continuity beyond current controversies, "We're not always gonna hate the FBI," he stated. Despite the internal party clash, Gaetz's amendment was defeated by a vote of 273-145, with a notable 70 GOP members dissenting.
The 70 Republicans that voted YES to funding the corrupt FBI w/ $300 Million for a new, massive headquarters! pic.twitter.com/23TPLzdxt3 — ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) November 9, 2023
Gaetz's discontent was echoed on social media platforms, where he expressed disdain for House Republicans supporting the funding, implying that the FBI should remain in its current state until a perceived internal overhaul occurs. MAGA-aligned social media users shared Gaetz's indignation, with some threatening to sever ties with the Republican party after the primary elections.
"Thank you very much @RepMattGaetz for introduced an amendment to the House appropriations bill on Wednesday to prohibit funding for a new FBI headquarters." X use John Yonemori-Antal wrote.
X user Kimpossible said "stop spending money on people, organizations and governments that hate US Citizens!!! You don't reward bad (even criminal) behavior. FFS"
"Exactly! NO WAY should taxpayers fund that! Especially after giving all that money to Ukraine!" X user Cheryl SniggCordova wrote.
On the logistical front, the General Services Administration (GSA) touted the selection of Greenbelt for the new FBI headquarters, highlighting its favorable location, cost-effectiveness, and potential to enhance sustainability and equity. However, the decision has not come without political contention. Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine expressed their disappointment, accusing the Biden administration of succumbing to political pressure and altering initial decision criteria to favor Maryland over Virginia.
The GSA's commitment to building a state-of-the-art campus for the FBI was commended by the Maryland congressional delegation, who saw the decision as a triumph of due diligence over political maneuvering. Meanwhile, Gaetz vowed to continue his opposition, questioning the priorities of his colleagues and the FBI itself, "It is not my grave concern that the FBI's building is crumbling. It is my grave concern that the civil liberties of Americans are crumbling."
This funding dispute underscores the broader schism within the GOP between establishment figures and the MAGA faction, as well as between lawmakers who support law enforcement agencies and those who question their integrity.
