The $1.2 trillion bipartisan spending package released Thursday that included $200 million toward construction of a new FBI headquarters drew the attention and ire of conservatives caught off guard by its inclusion.
Republicans had previously cut $654 million from the FBI's operating budget in the last minibus bill only to find that $200 million is budgeted to the General Services Administration, which constructs federal buildings.
"The $1.2 trillion, 1000-page swamp-bus released in the dead of night includes $200 MILLION for a new FBI Headquarters So much for those 'cuts' to FBI," Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said in a post on X.
Conservatives have railed against the FBI, saying it targets Christians, pro-life activists, and parents and noting myriad ongoing issues.
"The FBI labels parents as domestic terrorists, targets pro-lifers, and wages a war against conservative Americans. Their punishment? $200 MILLION for a new headquarters in this 'minibus,'" Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., said in another post.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., unsuccessfully launched an amendment in the fall to restrict funding for the FBI's headquarters, with 70 Republicans voting against it.
While conservatives railed against a new headquarters at all, another battle raged on the other side about where the FBI's new base should be located: Maryland or Virginia. Greenbelt, Maryland, won.
"This bipartisan legislation invests in ... the necessary funding to build the new FBI headquarters in Greenbelt, Maryland. Unfortunately, Republicans demanded cuts that will make it harder for federal agencies to deliver results for the American people, but I am glad that we defeated the most egregious cuts and harmful provisions put forward by MAGA Republicans in the House," Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., said in a statement.