Norton Introduces Bill to Prohibit New Fencing at the White House After Trump Administration Proposes Plan to Fence Pennsylvania Avenue NW

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the Trump Administration’s proposal to erect new fences at the ends of Pennsylvania Avenue NW outside the White House, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a bill to prohibit new fencing from being installed at the White House, Lafayette Square, the Ellipse, and the Eisenhower and Treasury buildings.

“While I understand the importance of protecting the White House, which is already surrounded by a 13-foot fence, we can and must maintain our commitment to security without sacrificing public access. The openness of areas around the White House isn't a vulnerability to be fenced off; it's a visible expression of how our democracy strives to operate when we're at our best," Norton said. “We shouldn't widen the distance between citizens and government by placing additional intimidating barriers between public servants and the people they serve, especially when such barriers are unnecessary.

“Security isn’t only about reducing risk. It’s about safeguarding the freedoms and values that define our country, for ourselves and those who come after us. A nation confident in its ideals doesn't wall off the institutions that carry them out from public view. Rather, it puts them in full view and remains open to the people it serves.”

Norton has long advocated for using the least restrictive means necessary to secure public property, introducing one bill to prohibit permanent fencing at the Capitol, another bill to prohibit permanent fencing at the Supreme Court, and a third bill to prohibit permanent fencing specifically around Lafayette Square. She also introduced a bill to authorize a 21-member commission, with the president designating nine members and the House and Senate leadership each designating six members, to investigate and offer recommendations on the balance between public access to and security in federal buildings and other federal property.

Norton’s introductory statement follows.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Introduction of the No New Fencing At the White House Act
July 14, 2026

Today, I introduce the No New Fencing At the White House Act, which would prohibit the installation of new permanent fencing at the White House complex, including Lafayette Square and the Ellipse. This bill would help ensure that one of our nation’s most important public spaces remains open and accessible to the public.  The Trump administration has proposed installing permanent fencing at the ends of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House and around Lafayette Square.

While I understand the importance of protecting the White House, which is already surrounded by a 13-foot-high fence, we can and must maintain our commitment to security without sacrificing public access by using the least restrictive means necessary to address security.

The White House complex has long served as a place where Americans can peacefully assemble.  The openness of areas around the White House is a strength of our democracy, not a security weakness that needs to be fenced off.  More fencing around this public space would send the wrong message to the nation and the world by continuing to transform our democracy from one that is accessible and of the people to one that is exclusive and fearful of its own citizens.

Fencing is an incredibly imprecise security tool. It is more likely to keep out District of Columbia residents, tourists and peaceful demonstrators than those determined to do harm.  The areas around the White House complex are used every day by D.C. residents and tourists from across the country and around the world.

The distance between government and the people has grown, with trust in government at an all-time low.  We should not increase that distance by placing intimidating barriers between public servants and the people they serve, especially when such barriers are unnecessary.

Security is not only about reducing risk.  It is also about safeguarding the freedoms and values that anchor our country, not only for ourselves but for future generations. Public property should be open to the public.  Americans should not be peering at their democracy from behind fences.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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