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2w ago

Architect Warns Rayburn Office Building Faces Risk of Catastrophic System Failure

The agency says delays will raise costs, disrupt House operations, and require new temporary office space before a full rebuild can begin.

Landscapers plant bushes along the east side of the Cannon House Office Building on June 1. The renovation of that building is nearing completion, but the Rayburn Building is likely next in line.
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Overview

  • At a House Administration Committee hearing Wednesday, Architect of the Capitol Thomas Austin warned that Rayburn’s aging systems have reached a tipping point and could cause a failure that renders parts or all of the building unusable.
  • The AOC reported 16 major leaks in the past 12 months that forced millions of dollars in emergency fixes and highlighted risks from failing air‑handling units, asbestos, lead and other aging systems.
  • Agency estimates reported in coverage put a complete Rayburn renovation at roughly $9 billion and more than a decade of work, making it the largest project the AOC has ever planned.
  • Austin said renovations are unlikely to proceed wing‑by‑wing and will require near‑total evacuation, so the AOC recommends building dedicated swing space rather than retrofitting the Library of Congress’ Madison Building.
  • House appropriators’ draft fiscal 2027 bill funds the AOC at $689 million, about $720 million below the agency’s request, leaving the program’s timing and scope unresolved and raising the risk of higher emergency costs and operational disruption.