H.R. 9598 is a bill that aims to prevent the use of any funds—whether from federal, state, foreign, or private sources—to build permanent fencing around Lafayette Square, which is located adjacent to the White House in Washington, D.C. This legislation suggests an effort to maintain open access to the area and prevent long-term barriers.
Some media outlets have praised H.R. 9598 for its commitment to preserving public access to Lafayette Square, viewing it as a step towards maintaining the area as a symbol of openness and democracy. Supporters argue that the bill reflects a dedication to civil liberties and the importance of public spaces in a democratic society.
Critics of H.R. 9598 have expressed concerns that prohibiting fencing could compromise security in the area, particularly in light of recent events that have raised safety issues around the White House. Some media reports highlight fears that this bill may undermine efforts to protect both the public and the presidential grounds from potential threats.
The analysis of H.R. 9598, which aims to prohibit the use of funds for installing permanent fencing around Lafayette Square, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the bill's subject matter and the sponsor Eleanor Norton's top donor industries. Norton's primary financial support comes from the Health Professionals sector, contributing $120 million, and the Retired sector, contributing $37.5 million. Given that these industries do not have a direct stake in the legislation concerning fencing, the potential for conflicts of interest appears minimal. Voters should be aware that while the funding sources are substantial, they do not correlate with the bill's focus, indicating a low risk of undue influence from donors on this specific issue.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AVIS BUDGET GROUP, INC. | AVIS BUDGET GROUP, INC. | $240,000 |
| NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. | SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS | $80,000 |
| IAC | SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS | $60,000 |
| BALANCE OF NATURE | AMERICAN CAPITOL GROUP | $45,000 |
| ML STRATEGIES, LLC (ON BEHALF OF DAIKIN U.S. CORPORATION) | PLURUS STRATEGIES, LLC | $30,000 |
| LIBERTY MUTUAL GROUP INC. | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | $30,000 |
| SONOVA USA. INC. | AMERICAN CAPITOL GROUP | $30,000 |
| THE MCKEON GROUP INC. (ON BEHALF OF D-WAVE GOVERNMENT INC.) | PLURUS STRATEGIES, LLC | $30,000 |
| GLOBAL ARM | PLURUS STRATEGIES, LLC | $30,000 |
| NLMK PENNSYLVANIA | SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS | $10,000 |
| THE BENNETT GROUP DC ON BEHALF OF ENEXOR BIOENERGY | AMERICAN CAPITOL GROUP | $10,000 |
| THE CORMAC GROUP, ON BEHALF OF TENDO | AMERICAN CAPITOL GROUP | undisclosed |
| AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE (API) | KELLER AND HECKMAN, LLP | undisclosed |
| LASSEN PEAK, INC. | SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS | undisclosed |
| 'INTERNET OF EVERYTHING CORP. (FKA QUISNET). | AMERICAN CAPITOL GROUP | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Eleanor Norton, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
