Bill · S. 3361· Senate(119-S-3361)
No Palaces Act
- Introduced
- 12/4/2025
- Last activity
- 12/4/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Sponsored by
- Richard Blumenthal
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "No Palaces Act," aims to amend title 40 of the United States Code regarding improvements to the White House or its grounds. It requires that any building or site improvement undergo a concept review and receive approval from the National Capital Planning Commission. Additionally, it establishes a process where a joint resolution of disapproval can be used by Congress to stop these improvements. The Act also sets specific rules for how the Senate and House handle such resolutions. Finally, it provides a mechanism for judicial review of actions taken under this law.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill increases transparency by requiring Congressional review and approval for improvements to the White House.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+3
The bill establishes expedited judicial review procedures for those seeking injunctive relief regarding White House improvements.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+1
The bill increases oversight on how funds are used for White House improvements, which may prevent unnecessary expenditures.
The opposite
Does this repair or build roads and bridges?-1
The bill's restrictions on site improvements to the White House grounds do not contribute to the improvement of general roads and bridges.
Does this make housing cost less?-1
By restricting improvements to the White House grounds, the bill does not directly impact or assist in the provision of affordable housing.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Congressional Oversight: Under Section 2(b)(1)(B), building or site improvements to the White House or its grounds cannot proceed unless the National Capital Planning Commission approves them and a joint resolution of disapproval is not enacted into law. This gives Congress a specific mechanism to review and potentially block certain improvements.
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Legal Accountability and Recourse: Section 2(c)(1) allows several entities, including the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the Commission of Fine Arts, the National Capital Planning Commission, either House of Congress, or a Member of either House, to bring civil actions for injunctive relief if this Act is violated.
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Efficient Legal Resolution: Section 2(c)(3) requires the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and the Supreme Court to expedite the consideration of civil actions brought under this Act, including specific deadlines for decisions to ensure the matter is resolved quickly.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Improvements: Under Section 2(b)(1)(B), any proposed building or site improvement to the White House or its grounds is subject to approval by the National Capital_Capital Planning Commission and can be stopped by a joint resolution of disapproval, which could limit the ability to make certain changes.
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Fund Usage Restrictions: Section 2(b)(2)(A) states that no private funds may be used to carry out an improvement to the White House or its grounds unless Congress authorizes it.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5Improves Due Process+3
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Roads And Bridges-1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing-1
- 12/4/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Introduced in Senate