Reply #37: I'm confused - would you rather these payments go to a private-for profit

[BR_Parkway]

enterprise?

GSA built the building with tax dollars, bought the land the same way. Then it 'leases' space out to the various government agencies (and may offer space to non-gov't if no government agencies need the space). So when the Congressperson's budget pays rent, it's paying it back to the taxpayers. Since there's no mortgage, that rent eventually pays back more than the building originally costs

I guess they could simply give office space to everyone, but there would be a lot more room for abuse and perk giving that way I think

And no, Federal buildings (and most State buildings) don't pay property taxes to their local jurisdictions.