Bill · H.R. 7162· House(119-HR-7162)
To amend title 40, United States Code, to permit commercial filmmaking and photography on the United States Capitol grounds, and for other purposes.
- Introduced
- 1/20/2026
- Last activity
- 1/21/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- Sponsored by
- Eleanor Norton
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill seeks to amend title 40 of the United States Code to allow commercial filmmaking and photography on the United States Capitol grounds. Under the proposal, the Chief of the United States Capitol Police would have the authority to issue permits for these activities. However, this activity would be restricted to times when neither House of Congress is in session. The bill also establishes guidelines for appropriate activity types and the collection of fees. These fees would be transferred to the Capitol Trust Account.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
The bill establishes a regulated pathway for commercial entities to utilize Capitol grounds for business purposes.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+4
The bill creates a new opportunity for commercial filmmakers and photographers to operate on the Capitol grounds via a permit system.
Would people in cities be better off under this?+2
The bill opens up high-profile public spaces in the capital for commercial activity and photography.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Commercial Activity Opportunity: The bill allows for the issuance of permits for commercial filmmaking and photography on the United States Capitol grounds, provided it is not in the Capitol Buildings (Section 1(a)(1)(A)).
-
Revenue Generation: The Chief can require permit holders to pay fees to cover costs incurred by the Architect of the Capitol, and these funds are transferred to the Capitol Trust Account (Section 1(a)(1)(B) and Section 1(a)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Activity Restrictions: Commercial filmmaking and photography would only be permitted during periods when neither House of Congress is in session (Section 1(a)(1)(A)).
-
Financial Requirements: People seeking to engage in commercial activity would be required to pay an appropriate fee (Section 1(a)(1)(B)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+4Good For Urban Residents+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1
- 1/21/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- 1/20/2026
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E55)
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House