[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF THE NO NEW FENCING AT THE WHITE HOUSE ACT

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 2026

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the No New Fencing at 
the White House Act, which would prohibit the installation of new 
permanent fencing at the White House complex, including Lafayette 
Square and the Ellipse. This bill would help ensure that one of our 
Nation's most important public spaces remains open and accessible to 
the public. The Trump administration has proposed installing permanent 
fencing at the ends of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House 
and around Lafayette Square.
  While I understand the importance of protecting the White House, 
which is already surrounded by a 13-foot-high fence, we can and must 
maintain our commitment to security without sacrificing public access 
by using the least restrictive means necessary to address security.
  The White House complex has long served as a place where Americans 
can peacefully assemble. The openness of areas around the White House 
is a strength of our democracy, not a security weakness that needs to 
be fenced off. More fencing around this public space would send the 
wrong message to the Nation and the world by continuing to transform 
our democracy from one that is accessible and of the people to one that 
is exclusive and fearful of its own citizens.
  Fencing is an incredibly imprecise security tool. It is more likely 
to keep out District of Columbia residents, tourists, and peaceful 
demonstrators than those determined to do harm. The areas around the 
White House complex are used every day by D.C. residents and tourists 
from across the country and around the world.
  The distance between government and the people has grown, with trust 
in government at an all-time low. 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 be peering at their democracy 
from behind fences.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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