Joni Ernst has novel approach to solving government’s unused buildings problem: Spirit Halloween

Published October 30, 2025 7:49pm ET



Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) has introduced another piece of legislation on Thursday, attempting to pawn off vacant government buildings to the private sector, giving a spooky-themed Senate floor speech.

Ernst introduced the DISPOSAL Act, short for Disposing of Inactive Structures and Properties by Offering for Sale and Lease Act, on Thursday. The proposed bill is aimed at providing the federal government the opportunity to not only sell but also to lease six federal office buildings to businesses. She pitched the bill on the Senate floor on Halloween eve as an idea in line with the successful Spirit Halloween business model.

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