Sponsors
The bill opens Capitol Grounds to commercial filming when neither House is in session to generate dedicated fee revenue and business opportunities, but it raises concerns about security, reduced transparency over new non-appropriated funds, and potential uncertainty for modern commercial uses.
Taxpayers and federal employees will see Architect of the Capitol costs offset because commercial filming fees are deposited into a Capitol Trust Account to reimburse the AOC and reduce reliance on general appropriations.
Small film and photography businesses gain predictable opportunities to use Capitol Grounds for commercial filming when neither House is in session, creating new revenue opportunities for those businesses.
Visitors, Congressional staff, and federal employees could face increased security risks or disruption because commercial filming raises activity and foot traffic on Capitol Grounds.
Allowing fees to be collected and deposited into a Capitol Trust Account expands non-appropriated funding and fee authority, which may reduce transparency and Congressional control over those revenues.
Limiting permitted commercial activities to those similar to pre-2012 Union Square rules could create uncertainty about which modern productions are allowed, potentially restricting some shoots or causing permit delays for small businesses.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a permit and fee authority for commercial filming/photography on Capitol Grounds (excluding buildings) when neither House is in session and directs fee transfers into the Capitol Trust Account.
Introduced January 20, 2026 by Eleanor Holmes Norton · Last progress January 20, 2026
Authorizes the Chief of the United States Capitol Police to issue permits for commercial filmmaking and photography on the United States Capitol Grounds (but not inside Capitol Buildings) when neither the House nor the Senate is in session, and to charge fees that cover Architect of the Capitol costs. It requires collected fees to be transferred immediately into the Capitol Trust Account and directs the Capitol Police Board to write implementing regulations in consultation with the House Administration and Senate Rules Committees; it also amends an appropriations provision to explicitly list this new permit authority as a permissible deposit source for the Capitol Trust Account.