No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (15 Sep 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
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.
Timeline
15 Sep 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
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?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5396. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5396?
- S. 5396 was sponsored by Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD] (D-MD), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 5396?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (15 Sep 2026).
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