Norton, Van Hollen Introduce No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act, which would prohibit the installation of permanent fencing on the grounds of the United States Capitol complex. After the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, a fence was erected around the Capitol that stayed in place for six months as officials recommended a permanent barrier. Norton criticized permanent fencing as both cosmetic and imprecise and instead called for smarter, state-of-the-art solutions.

“Permanent fencing would send an un-American message to the nation and the world, transforming the Capitol from a place that's accessible to the people it serves into a fortress that locks them out,” CongresswomanNorton said. “The answer to security vulnerabilities is not a crude barrier that makes the Capitol look safer while doing little to address the threats. Instead, we should be investing in the intelligence, technology, training and security measures that actually protect the Capitol while preserving the openness that is fundamental to our democracy. At a time when trust in government is at historic lows, the last thing we should do is put another physical and psychological barrier between the people and the government that serves them.”

“Ours is a government of, by, and for the people – and the people should always be able to safely access our nation’s Capitol and exercise their First Amendment rights. We can protect the Capitol without walling it off to the public. This legislation would ensure this complex never becomes a fortress where the American people are left on the outside looking in,” said Senator Van Hollen.

Norton's introductory statement follows.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Nortonon the Introduction ofthe No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act

September 15, 2026

            Today, I introduce the No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act, which would prohibit the installation of permanent fencing at the United States Capitol complex.  Senator Chris Van Hollen is introducing this bill in the Senate.

            Permanent fencing at the Capitol complex would send an un-American message to the nation and the world by transforming our democracy from one that is accessible, transparent and of the people to one that is closed off, secretive and fearful of its own citizens.  It would tell the world that the most powerful nation must rely on crude barriers for safety instead of state-of-the-art intelligence and security protocols.  The Capitol complex has welcomed First Amendment demonstrations for centuries without becoming a fortress.  The openness of the Capitol complex and our democracy is a strength, not a weakness that needs to be rooted out. 

            Furthermore, the Capitol complex does not exist in a vacuum.  It is immediately surrounded by residential neighborhoods and local businesses.  Permanent fencing would cause serious damage to the fabric of these communities. After the January 6^th insurrection, the Capitol complex became an untraversable fortress surrounded by frightening fences capped with barbed wire typical of authoritarian regimes. These residents and businesses were more than understanding as their neighborhoods turned into militarized zones. They waited patiently as officers checked their identification on their walks home or took alternative routes when they found blocked streets.  Permanent fencing would limit their ability, as well as the general public’s ability, to enjoy the public spaces that define our nation’s capital.

            The distance between government and the people has grown, with trust in government at historic lows.  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 have to peer at their democracy from behind fences.

            I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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