No Fencing at Lafayette Square Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9598
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-07-06: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T03:23:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the legislation This bill aims to prevent the installation of permanent fencing around Lafayette Square, a federal park in Washington, D.C., by banning the use of funds from federal, state, foreign, or private sources for that purpose.
Key provisions outlined
- The core rule states that no funds from federal, state, foreign, or private sources may be used to install permanent fencing around the park.
- The bill includes a clarification that the prohibition does not block the repair or replacement of any fencing already in place on the date the law takes effect.
- It defines Lafayette Square as the federal park bounded by H Street Northwest on the north, Madison Place Northwest on the east, Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest on the south, and Jackson Place Northwest on the west.
- The term "State" is defined to include any U.S. state, the District of Columbia, or any territory, possession, or political subdivision.
Significant changes to existing law introduced The legislation creates a new restriction on funding sources for permanent fencing, extending the ban beyond federal money to include state, foreign, and private funds. It does not alter rules for maintaining or replacing existing fencing.
Potential impacts on government agencies, citizens, or international relations
- Federal agencies managing the park would be limited in using public resources for new permanent fencing projects.
- State and local governments, as well as private or foreign contributors, would face the same funding restriction.
- Citizens and visitors to the area might see continued open access without new permanent barriers, while park upkeep could rely only on repairs to existing structures.
- International relations could be indirectly affected if foreign funds are involved in park improvements.
Identify the main stakeholders affected by this legislation
- Federal agencies overseeing national parks and public lands.
- The District of Columbia government and related local entities.
- Private individuals, organizations, or donors interested in park modifications.
- Foreign governments or entities that might otherwise contribute funds.
- Residents and visitors who use the park.
Highlight any notable legal, constitutional, or political implications The bill asserts federal authority over funding decisions for a specific federal park property. It could influence how security or aesthetic changes are handled in the area without restricting basic maintenance. No direct changes to constitutional powers are stated in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2026-07-06: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-07-06: Introduced in House
- 2026-07-06: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E653-654)
- 2026-07-06: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- No Fencing at Lafayette Square Act — issued 2026-07-06 — PDF (2 pages)