S.Amdt. 5689

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Blumenthal, aims to create stricter rules and oversight for improvements made to the White House or its grounds. It changes existing law to ensure that demolition activities are discussed before they begin and adds new requirements for approvals and funding.

Key Changes and Additions:

• Approval Process: Building or site improvements cannot happen unless the Executive Office of the President (or an agency acting for them) completes a concept review and gets approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.
• Congressional Oversight: Once the National Capital Planning Commission approves an improvement, a 60-day "consideration period" begins. During this time, Congress can pass a "joint resolution of disapproval" to stop the project.
• Funding Restrictions: The amendment prohibits the use of private funds for these improvements unless Congress authorizes it. Federal funds must follow specific legal requirements.
• Legal Recourse: It allows specific groups—including the National Capital Planning Commission, the Commission of Fine Arts, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and members of Congress—to sue in court if these laws are violated. These court cases are required to be handled using expedited procedures.