Sponsors
The bill creates a predictable, fee-funded framework to allow and charge for commercial filming on Capitol Grounds—providing revenue and clearer rules for producers—while risking increased commercialization, potential crowding of public spaces, and added costs for small or nonprofit users.
Taxpayers and the Architect of the Capitol: fees collected from commercial filming are remitted to the Capitol Trust Account to provide a funding stream for AOC costs rather than relying solely on annual appropriations.
Nonprofits, filmmakers, and commercial producers: the bill standardizes fees and permitting by referencing prior NPS/Union Square practice, creating clearer, more predictable rules and rates for commercial use of the Capitol Grounds.
Nonprofits, small businesses, and filmmakers: the bill clarifies lawful access to film on Capitol Grounds when Congress is not in session, enabling paid shoots that were previously unclear or restricted.
Visitors and the general public: expanding commercial permits could increase commercial activity on the Capitol Grounds, potentially crowding public access and altering the visitor experience.
Small businesses, filmmakers, and nonprofits: permit fees and administrative requirements create additional costs and burdens that could particularly affect smaller or nonprofit producers.
Taxpayers and noncommercial users: tying commercial use to a trust account and encouraging fee-based uses risks prioritizing revenue-generating activities over noncommercial public uses unless frequency and scope are limited by regulation.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes the Capitol Police Chief to permit and charge fees for commercial filming/photography on Capitol Grounds (not inside buildings) when neither House is in session, with fees deposited into the Capitol Trust Account.
Allows the Chief of the United States Capitol Police to issue permits and collect fees for commercial filmmaking and photography on the United States Capitol Grounds (but not inside Capitol buildings) when neither House of Congress is in session. Fees must cover Architect of the Capitol costs, follow the commercial uses and fee structure that applied to "Union Square" before its 2012 transfer, and be deposited immediately into the Capitol Trust Account.
Introduced January 20, 2026 by Eleanor Holmes Norton · Last progress January 20, 2026