Appropriators Call for Watchdog Review of HUD HQ Move

Three Democratic senators request GAO investigation into HUD's relocation to Virginia

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Three Democratic senators have requested a Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation into the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) plan to relocate roughly 3,000 federal employees from its Washington, D.C. headquarters to a new building in Alexandria, Virginia. The appropriators say HUD has only provided "piecemeal and partial responses" about the legality and cost of the relocation, and they have "grave concerns" the hastily executed move will further disrupt the department's operations and ability to carry out its mission.

Why it matters

The relocation of a major federal agency like HUD raises questions about the decision-making process, transparency, and potential impacts on staff and operations. As appropriators, the senators have oversight authority over HUD's budget and spending, so they are seeking an independent review to ensure the move is justified and properly executed.

The details

According to the letter, HUD's initial budget shared with appropriators in July included multiple "TBD" placeholders, and a December budget estimate was 40% higher than the initial figure. The lawmakers also say they were not fully informed about the analysis behind choosing the National Science Foundation building in Virginia as HUD's new headquarters or why HUD had to pay $26.2 million to relocate NSF employees.

  • HUD shared its first budget with appropriators in July 2025.
  • HUD provided a December 2025 budget estimate that was 40% higher than the initial figure.

The players

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

A federal executive department responsible for national housing and urban development policies and programs.

Government Accountability Office (GAO)

An independent, nonpartisan agency that investigates how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars.

Democratic Senators

A group of Democratic members of the U.S. Senate who oversee HUD's appropriations and operations.

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What they’re saying

“HUD continues to only provide piecemeal and partial responses to the [Appropriations] Committees as well as its own staff.”

— Democratic Senators, Appropriators (Letter to GAO)

“Over the past year, HUD operations have been upended ... and morale is already at an all-time low. We have grave concerns that a hastily and irresponsibly executed move will exacerbate those challenges and HUD's ability to carry out its mission.”

— Democratic Senators, Appropriators (Letter to GAO)

What’s next

The GAO will review HUD's decision-making process, budget estimates, and potential impacts of the relocation, with the goal of providing an independent assessment to the appropriators.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of transparency and thorough planning when a major federal agency undertakes a significant relocation. The appropriators' request for a GAO investigation signals their concerns about HUD's handling of the move and the potential disruptions to the department's operations and workforce.