A bill to prohibit the use of Federal funds to install new permanent fencing around the United States Capitol, any of the Capitol Buildings, or any portion of the Capitol Grounds.
Latest action (15 Sep 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 5396 is a bill introduced in the U.S. Senate that, as described by its title, would prohibit the use of federal funds to install new permanent fencing around the United States Capitol, any of the Capitol Buildings, or any portion of the Capitol Grounds. Because the full text of the bill has not yet been published, only this stated purpose is known; the specific mechanisms, definitions, exceptions, or enforcement provisions the bill might contain are not available at this time.
The bill would primarily affect federal agencies responsible for Capitol security and facilities management, such as the U.S. Capitol Police and the Architect of the Capitol, by restricting how federal money could be spent on permanent perimeter fencing. It could also be of interest to members of Congress, congressional staff, and the public who access the Capitol complex, since decisions about physical security infrastructure at the site would be affected by this funding restriction.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on September 15, 2026, by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has been formally presented but has not yet been considered by a committee, voted on, or taken up on the floor. For it to become law, it would need to be reviewed and approved by the relevant Senate committee, pass both the Senate and House, and be signed by the President, or otherwise enacted through the standard legislative process. No further action has yet occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on September 15, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5396 do?
- S. 5396 is a bill introduced in the U.S. Senate that, as described by its title, would prohibit the use of federal funds to install new permanent fencing around the United States Capitol, any of the Capitol Buildings, or any portion of the Capitol Grounds. Because the full text of the bill has not yet been published, only this stated purpose is known; the specific mechanisms, definitions, exceptions, or enforcement provisions the bill might contain are not available at this time. The bill would primarily affect federal agencies responsible for Capitol security and facilities management, such as the U.S. Capitol Police and the Architect of the Capitol, by restricting how federal money could be spent on permanent perimeter fencing. It could also be of interest to members of Congress, congressional staff, and the public who access the Capitol complex, since decisions about physical security infrastructure at the site would be affected by this funding restriction. The bill was introduced in the Senate on September 15, 2026, by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has been formally presented but has not yet been considered by a committee, voted on, or taken up on the floor. For it to become law, it would need to be reviewed and approved by the relevant Senate committee, pass both the Senate and House, and be signed by the President, or otherwise enacted through the standard legislative process. No further action has yet occurred.
- Has S. 5396 become law?
- Not yet. As of 15 Sep 2026, S. 5396 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5396?
- S. 5396 was sponsored by Sen. Chris Van Hollen [D-MD] (Democrat-MD), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5396?
- Introduced (15 Sep 2026).
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.