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United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-9386| House 
| Updated: 7/7/2026
Eleanor Holmes Norton

Eleanor Holmes Norton

Democratic Representative

District of Columbia

Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability Subcommittee, Homeland Security Committee, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill establishes the United States Commission on an Open Society with Security to address the critical challenge of balancing public access with security needs in federal facilities and spaces. Congress recognizes that while free access and open discussion are fundamental to American democracy, the nation faces unique security threats that require expert consideration to avoid eroding basic tenets of the Republic. The Commission will consist of 21 members appointed by the President and congressional leaders, drawing from diverse fields such as architecture, technology, civil liberties, and security. Its core function is to study and provide recommendations on how the government can provide security in and public access to federal buildings and property in a balanced manner, specifically examining security practices, building design, counterterrorism needs, and the use of technology. It will also analyze the impact of access on free speech , constitutional rights, and local economies, while coordinating to avoid duplicating existing efforts. To carry out its duties, the Commission is empowered to hold hearings, gather testimony, and obtain necessary classified information from federal agencies, with members and staff requiring appropriate security clearances . The Commission is required to submit its final report, detailing findings, conclusions, and recommendations for legislative or administrative action, to the President within two years of its initial meeting. The President will then transmit this report to Congress, and the Commission will terminate 90 days after submitting its report, with $10 million authorized for its operations over two fiscal years.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-4293
United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-770
United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-5412
United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2023
Jun 22, 2026
Introduced in House
Jun 22, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jun 22, 2026
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E594)
Jul 7, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-4293
    United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-770
    United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-5412
    United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2023


  • June 22, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • June 22, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • June 22, 2026
    Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E594)


  • July 7, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability.

Government Operations and Politics

United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-9386| House 
| Updated: 7/7/2026
This bill establishes the United States Commission on an Open Society with Security to address the critical challenge of balancing public access with security needs in federal facilities and spaces. Congress recognizes that while free access and open discussion are fundamental to American democracy, the nation faces unique security threats that require expert consideration to avoid eroding basic tenets of the Republic. The Commission will consist of 21 members appointed by the President and congressional leaders, drawing from diverse fields such as architecture, technology, civil liberties, and security. Its core function is to study and provide recommendations on how the government can provide security in and public access to federal buildings and property in a balanced manner, specifically examining security practices, building design, counterterrorism needs, and the use of technology. It will also analyze the impact of access on free speech , constitutional rights, and local economies, while coordinating to avoid duplicating existing efforts. To carry out its duties, the Commission is empowered to hold hearings, gather testimony, and obtain necessary classified information from federal agencies, with members and staff requiring appropriate security clearances . The Commission is required to submit its final report, detailing findings, conclusions, and recommendations for legislative or administrative action, to the President within two years of its initial meeting. The President will then transmit this report to Congress, and the Commission will terminate 90 days after submitting its report, with $10 million authorized for its operations over two fiscal years.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-4293
United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-770
United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-5412
United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2023
Jun 22, 2026
Introduced in House
Jun 22, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jun 22, 2026
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E594)
Jul 7, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-4293
    United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-770
    United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-5412
    United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2023


  • June 22, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • June 22, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • June 22, 2026
    Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E594)


  • July 7, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability.
Eleanor Holmes Norton

Eleanor Holmes Norton

Democratic Representative

District of Columbia

Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability Subcommittee, Homeland Security Committee, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Government Operations and Politics

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted