Norton Files Amendment to Allow Commercial Filming on Capitol Grounds When Congress is Not in Session

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today filed an amendment to the fiscal year 2018 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill to permit commercial filming and photography on all U.S. Capitol Grounds, beyond the single area where it is currently permitted, Union Square. Norton said allowing commercial filming would provide an economic boost to the District of Columbia and allow filmmakers to showcase the Capitol in its fullest authenticity to the nation and the rest of the world. Filming would be permitted outside of the building, and only when Congress is not in session. Norton's amendment is part of her effort to expand public access to public space, particularly around the Capitol.

"Allowing commercial filming and photography on Capitol grounds would be a win-win for public access to the most important symbol of democracy in the world and for D.C.'s local economy," Norton said. "For too long, filmmakers have been forced to create fake sets of the Capitol or choose to film outside of Washington due to existing restrictions. Filming and photography of the Capitol, an important vehicle for telling the nation's story, would be a service to the American people and help bolster our nation's image abroad."