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Congressional Daily Record
This section captures a floor statement or debate entry. It mentions members such as Eleanor Holmes Norton. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
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September 15, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON
of the district of columbia
in the house of representatives
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 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.
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 6th 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.
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.