Sponsors
The bill allows limited commercial filming on Capitol Grounds to generate revenue and fund maintenance, but does so with scheduling limits and added administrative and dignity/security risks for the Capitol complex.
Taxpayers and the Architect of the Capitol: fees from permitted commercial filming will be deposited into the Capitol Trust Account to help pay for Capitol Grounds maintenance and AOC costs instead of relying solely on annual appropriations.
Small-business owners, tourism-related businesses, and commercial producers: limited permission to film on Capitol Grounds during congressional recesses creates new revenue and promotional opportunities.
Taxpayers and visitors: allowing commercial activity on Capitol Grounds raises concerns about preserving the dignity, public character, and security of the Capitol complex.
U.S. Capitol Police and the Architect of the Capitol: new permitting and fee administration will add operational and administrative burdens, potentially increasing costs and staff workload.
Small-business owners and commercial producers: filming is restricted to times when neither House is in session, limiting scheduling flexibility and the amount of revenue producers can earn from Capitol shoots.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
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) only when neither House of Congress is in session. Permit holders may be charged fees to cover Architect of the Capitol costs; collected fees are deposited into the Capitol Trust Account. The Capitol Police Board must issue implementing regulations in consultation with the House Committee on House Administration and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration.