Eleanor Holmes Norton

I’m proud to cosponsor Rep. Torres’ bill.

Thank you to @TruckSafetyOrg for stopping by to present me with their Lifetime of Service award. I've partnered with the coalition for many years to push for stronger safety standards, and I'm grateful for both the recognition and their work to make our roads safer for truckers and all drivers.

*Tonight* at 5:30: DC high school students interested in attending one of our nation's prestigious military service academies are invited to attend my Service Academy Night, at MLK Library room 401, to learn about the nomination and selection process. https://t.co/UtHmfcUY0e

Voters should know who's paying for the political ads they see. I cosponsored @RepMarcyKaptur's bill to put the names and contributions of the top three funders right on those ads. Transparency empowers voters and strengthens our democracy. https://t.co/MN8AZ4ouks

My office is in touch with the mayor's office, and we have both asked the commanding general of the DC National Guard to remind his troops not to gather near schools unless explicitly directed by the Task Force or requested by MPD. https://t.co/hhqoaKRjJp

@Janeese4DC Thank you!

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a resolution supporting the designation of September 23, 2026, as "Mary Church Terrell Day," recognizing Mary Church Terrell's lasting contributions to the civil rights and women's rights movements. Terrell moved to the District of Columbia in 1887 to become a teacher at M Street Colored High School, now known as Dunbar High School, which is Norton's alma mater. Terrell's parents encouraged her to pursue education, beginning her journey to become one of the first Black women to graduate from college and later to become the first Black woman appointed to the D.C. Board of Education. As a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the National Association of Colored Women, Terrell spent her life working to advance the status of African American women as a civil and women's rights activist. “Mary Church Terrell is remembered for the battles she fought here in the District of Columbia to build a more equal America, particularly for Black women,” Norton said. “Her education gave her the knowledge and confidence to challenge the injustices of segregation and voter suppression and to demand a more just society. Yet our history books too often celebrate the accomplishments of men while overlooking the women who, like Mary Church Terrell, helped change the course of our nation.” The text of the resolution follows. RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of September 23, 2026, as “Mary Church Terrell Day”, and calling on Congress to recognize Mary Church Terrell’s lasting contributions to the civil rights and women’s rights movements. Expressing support for the designation of September 23, 2026, as “Mary Church Terrell Day”, and calling on Congress to recognize Mary Church Terrell’s lasting contributions to the civil rights and women’s rights movements. Whereas Mary Church Terrell was born on September 23, 1863, in Memphis, Tennessee, to former enslaved persons; Whereas Mary Church Terrell’s father, Robert Reed Church, was a successful businessman and one of the South’s first African-American millionaires; Whereas Mary Church Terrell attended the Antioch College laboratory school and Oberlin College; Whereas Mary Church Terrell was one of the first African-American women to attend college; Whereas Mary Church Terrell’s belief in the importance of education led her to the District of Columbia in 1887; Whereas Mary Church Terrell taught at M Street Colored High School, now known as Paul Laurence Dunbar High School; Whereas Mary Church Terrell was the first African-American woman to be appointed to a school board; Whereas Mary Church Terrell believed that the end to racial discrimination could be achieved through education, work, and community activism; Whereas Mary Church Terrell’s activism was sparked by the lynching of an old friend, Thomas Moss, in 1892; Whereas Mary Church Terrell used her position to fight racial and gender discrimination; Whereas Mary Church Terrell participated in antilynching campaigns alongside Ida B. Wells-Barnett; Whereas Mary Church Terrell led the fight to desegregate eating places in the District of Columbia; Whereas District of Columbia laws of 1872 and 1873 required all restaurants “to serve any respectable, well-behaved person regardless of color”; Whereas Mary Church Terrell was age 86 at the time she launched the campaign to enforce these civil rights laws; Whereas Mary Church Terrell and several colleagues entered Thompson Restaurant in the District of Columbia on February 28, 1950; Whereas the group was refused service on the basis of their race; Whereas John R. Thompson Co., Inc., was prosecuted for violating these laws; Whereas Mary Church Terrell continued her fight through boycotts, picketing, and sit-ins at restaurants around the District of Columbia; Whereas, on June 8, 1953, three years after the information charging the restaurant was filed, the Supreme Court in District of Columbia v. John R. Thompson Co., Inc., held these laws were enforceable; Whereas Mary Church Terrell also actively fought for women’s suffrage; Whereas Mary Church Terrell was president of the National Association of Colored Women; Whereas Mary Church Terrell was one of the founders and charter members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Whereas Mary Church Terrell persuaded the National Association of University Women to admit Black members; Whereas the Mary Church Terrell House is a National Historic Landmark located at 326 T Street, NW, in the District of Columbia, and is open to the public; and Whereas September 23 would be an appropriate day to designate as Mary Church Terrell Day: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— supports the designation of “Mary Church Terrell Day”; and (2) calls on Congress to recognize Mary Church Terrell’s lasting contributions to the civil rights and women’s rights movements. ###

I’m proud to host this year’s Congressional App Challenge for DC students. The CAC is open to middle and high school students nationwide. Students can work as individuals or on teams to create an app for the platform of their choice. Learn more: https://t.co/tGh98pCTCE https://t.co/zASFBWLh4T

Mary Church Terrell, a graduate of my high school alma mater, demanded a more equal America for everybody – especially Black women – at a time when women of all races experienced discrimination. I introduced a resolution to name September 23 "Mary Church Terrell Day." https://t.co/CQvMeMvxc9

The Capitol should be accessible to the people, not locked behind a permanent fence. Senator @ChrisVanHollen and I introduced a bill to prohibit permanent fencing at the Capitol to protect public access. Americans shouldn’t have to peer at their democracy from behind fences. https://t.co/r9s4Oys4W7

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act, which would prohibit the installation of permanent fencing on the grounds of the United States Capitol complex. After the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, a fence was erected around the Capitol that stayed in place for six months as officials recommended a permanent barrier. Norton criticized permanent fencing as both cosmetic and imprecise and instead called for smarter, state-of-the-art solutions. “Permanent fencing would send an un-American message to the nation and the world, transforming the Capitol from a place that's accessible to the people it serves into a fortress that locks them out,” CongresswomanNorton said. “The answer to security vulnerabilities is not a crude barrier that makes the Capitol look safer while doing little to address the threats. Instead, we should be investing in the intelligence, technology, training and security measures that actually protect the Capitol while preserving the openness that is fundamental to our democracy. At a time when trust in government is at historic lows, the last thing we should do is put another physical and psychological barrier between the people and the government that serves them.” “Ours is a government of, by, and for the people – and the people should always be able to safely access our nation’s Capitol and exercise their First Amendment rights. We can protect the Capitol without walling it off to the public. This legislation would ensure this complex never becomes a fortress where the American people are left on the outside looking in,” said Senator Van Hollen. Norton's introductory statement follows. Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Nortonon the Introduction ofthe No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act September 15, 2026 Today, I introduce the No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act, which would prohibit the installation of permanent fencing at the United States Capitol complex. Senator Chris Van Hollen is introducing this bill in the Senate. Permanent fencing at the Capitol complex would send an un-American message to the nation and the world by transforming our democracy from one that is accessible, transparent and of the people to one that is closed off, secretive and fearful of its own citizens. It would tell the world that the most powerful nation must rely on crude barriers for safety instead of state-of-the-art intelligence and security protocols. The Capitol complex has welcomed First Amendment demonstrations for centuries without becoming a fortress. The openness of the Capitol complex and our democracy is a strength, not a weakness that needs to be rooted out. Furthermore, the Capitol complex does not exist in a vacuum. It is immediately surrounded by residential neighborhoods and local businesses. Permanent fencing would cause serious damage to the fabric of these communities. After the January 6th insurrection, the Capitol complex became an untraversable fortress surrounded by frightening fences capped with barbed wire typical of authoritarian regimes. These residents and businesses were more than understanding as their neighborhoods turned into militarized zones. They waited patiently as officers checked their identification on their walks home or took alternative routes when they found blocked streets. Permanent fencing would limit their ability, as well as the general public’s ability, to enjoy the public spaces that define our nation’s capital. The distance between government and the people has grown, with trust in government at historic lows. We should not increase that distance by placing intimidating barriers between public servants and the people they serve, especially when such barriers are unnecessary. Security is not only about reducing risk. It is also about safeguarding the freedoms and values that anchor our country, not only for ourselves but for future generations. Public property should be open to the public. Americans should not have to peer at their democracy from behind fences. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced the No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act, which would prohibit the installation of permanent fencing on the grounds of the United States Capitol complex. After the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, a fence was erected around the Capitol that stayed in place for six months as officials recommended a permanent barrier. Norton criticized permanent fencing as both cosmetic and imprecise and instead called for smarter, state-of-the-art solutions. “Permanent fencing would send an un-American message to the nation and the world, transforming the Capitol from a place that's accessible to the people it serves into a fortress that locks them out,” CongresswomanNorton said. “The answer to security vulnerabilities is not a crude barrier that makes the Capitol look safer while doing little to address the threats. Instead, we should be investing in the intelligence, technology, training and security measures that actually protect the Capitol while preserving the openness that is fundamental to our democracy. At a time when trust in government is at historic lows, the last thing we should do is put another physical and psychological barrier between the people and the government that serves them.” “Ours is a government of, by, and for the people – and the people should always be able to safely access our nation’s Capitol and exercise their First Amendment rights. We can protect the Capitol without walling it off to the public. This legislation would ensure this complex never becomes a fortress where the American people are left on the outside looking in,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Americans go to great lengths to visit their nation’s Capitol,” said Senator Wicker. “We should make it as easy as possible to welcome them. No fence should hinder visitors from walking the halls where their elected representatives deliberate and vote.” Norton's introductory statement follows. Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Nortonon the Introduction ofthe No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act September 15, 2026 Today, I introduce the No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act, which would prohibit the installation of permanent fencing at the United States Capitol complex. Senator Chris Van Hollen is introducing this bill in the Senate. Permanent fencing at the Capitol complex would send an un-American message to the nation and the world by transforming our democracy from one that is accessible, transparent and of the people to one that is closed off, secretive and fearful of its own citizens. It would tell the world that the most powerful nation must rely on crude barriers for safety instead of state-of-the-art intelligence and security protocols. The Capitol complex has welcomed First Amendment demonstrations for centuries without becoming a fortress. The openness of the Capitol complex and our democracy is a strength, not a weakness that needs to be rooted out. Furthermore, the Capitol complex does not exist in a vacuum. It is immediately surrounded by residential neighborhoods and local businesses. Permanent fencing would cause serious damage to the fabric of these communities. After the January 6th insurrection, the Capitol complex became an untraversable fortress surrounded by frightening fences capped with barbed wire typical of authoritarian regimes. These residents and businesses were more than understanding as their neighborhoods turned into militarized zones. They waited patiently as officers checked their identification on their walks home or took alternative routes when they found blocked streets. Permanent fencing would limit their ability, as well as the general public’s ability, to enjoy the public spaces that define our nation’s capital. The distance between government and the people has grown, with trust in government at historic lows. We should not increase that distance by placing intimidating barriers between public servants and the people they serve, especially when such barriers are unnecessary. Security is not only about reducing risk. It is also about safeguarding the freedoms and values that anchor our country, not only for ourselves but for future generations. Public property should be open to the public. Americans should not have to peer at their democracy from behind fences. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. ### Hours: M-F; 9:00am-5:00pm Hours: M-F; 9:00am-5:00pm

Today marks 25 years since our nation incurred a tragedy that shook us to our core. We'll never forget the eight DC residents, including three DCPS students, who were on the plane that hit the Pentagon, nor the other innocent lives taken that day.

As students return to campuses, I introduced my resolution to designate September as “National Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month.” Taking this action would give colleges and universities an important opportunity to strengthen prevention efforts, educate students about consent and sexual violence, and ensure survivors know where they can turn for help and support.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As students return to campus for the fall semester, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced her annual resolution to designate September as “National Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month.” “September is an appropriate time to focus the nation’s attention on campus sexual assault as students return to college and begin a new academic year. Designating September as ‘National Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month’ would give colleges and universities an important opportunity to strengthen prevention efforts, educate students about consent and sexual violence, and ensure that survivors know where they can turn for help and support,” Norton said. “No student should have to choose between pursuing an education and feeling safe on campus.” Norton has introduced this resolution for the past several years to highlight the problem of sexual assaults on campuses. In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein scandals and the #MeToo movement, Norton said her determination to continue to speak out has only grown, and that we must change behavior at the earliest stages of the lives of young men and women. The resolution text follows. RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as National Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Whereas freshmen and sophomores in college are at a greater risk of being sexually assaulted than juniors or seniors; Whereas college students are at a higher risk of sexual assault during the first few months of school, with more than 50 percent of college sexual assaults occurring in either August, September, October, or November; Whereas many college students are survivors of “incapacitated assault”, in which they are sexually assaulted while drugged, drunk, passed out, or otherwise incapacitated; Whereas these survivors often know their attackers; Whereas less than 12 percent of rapes and attempted rapes of college students are reported to campus authorities or local law enforcement; Whereas college sexual assault survivors are likely to tell someone they know, most often a friend, about their experience; Whereas 20 percent of college sexual assault survivors fear reprisal by the perpetrator; Whereas many college sexual assault survivors fear poor treatment by campus or law enforcement authorities, or even lack knowledge of the reporting process; Whereas 10 percent of colleges still do not allow confidential reporting of sexual assaults to campus authorities; Whereas 22 percent of colleges provide no sexual assault response training for members of their faculty and staff; Whereas 41 percent of colleges have not conducted a single sexual assault investigation in the last 5 years; Whereas most colleges fail to provide access to a specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner; Whereas law enforcement officials at 30 percent of colleges receive no training on how to respond to reports of sexual violence; Whereas more than 70 percent of colleges do not have protocols regarding how the institution and local law enforcement should work together to respond to sexual violence; Whereas 33 percent of colleges fail to provide training to dispel “rape myths” to persons adjudicating sexual assault claims; Whereas 43 percent of the Nation’s largest colleges have students assisting in adjudicating sexual assault cases, which creates privacy and conflict-of-interest concerns; Whereas 22 percent of colleges allow athletic department oversight of sexual violence cases involving student athletes; Whereas many college sexual assault survivors experience confusion over how to report a sexual assault, are unsure of acceptable standards of sexual conduct and definitions of rape and sexual assault, and fear punishment for activities preceding some sexual assaults, such as underage drinking; Whereas 21 percent of the Nation’s largest private colleges report not independently investigating all claims of sexual assault that they conveyed to the Department of Education; Whereas only 10 to 25 percent of the perpetrators of college sexual assaults are permanently expelled; Whereas less than 7 percent of reported college rape cases result in criminal charges against the perpetrator; Whereas survivors of campus sexual assaults are more likely to have their lives disrupted, such as by changing a college major, changing campus housing, and dropping a class, than the average student; Whereas 7 States require colleges to adopt affirmative consent policies; and Whereas September 2026, when many students begin or return to college, is an appropriate month to designate as National Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the designation of National Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month. ###

Parents of servicemembers make enormous sacrifices to support their children’s service, often caring for grandchildren while their sons and daughters serve overseas. I introduced a bill to expand educational benefits to dependent parents of servicemembers who die or become permanently disabled due to their military service.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a bill to expand education benefits to dependent parents of servicemembers and veterans. Under the legislation, a dependent parent could qualify for education assistance if their child dies from a service-connected disability or has a total and permanent service-connected disability. Currently only spouses and children of these servicemembers are eligible. “Parents of servicemembers make enormous sacrifices to support their children’s service, often stepping in to care for their grandchildren while their sons and daughters are deployed overseas,” Norton said. “When a servicemember is killed or becomes permanently disabled in service to our country, we should not leave those parents behind. This bill recognizes the sacrifices they have made by helping them pursue the education and training they may have put on hold and giving them a better opportunity to enter or reenter the workforce.” This legislation has been endorsed by Disabled American Veterans. The idea for the bill came from a Norton constituent. Norton’s introductory statement follows. Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Introduction of a Bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend eligibility for survivors’ and dependents’ educational assistance to the dependent parent of a person who dies of a service- connected disability or has a total and permanent service-connected disability, and for other purposes. August 27, 2026 Today, I introduce a bill to expand eligibility for the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, commonly referred to as Chapter 35 benefits, to dependent parents of servicemembers. The idea for this bill came from one of my constituents. Currently, the spouses and children of servicemembers who die or become disabled are eligible for Chapter 35 benefits. However, dependent parents of servicemembers are not eligible. Parents of servicemembers often fill the role of caregiver for the children of servicemembers while they are overseas. Such time commitments make it challenging for these parents to pursue post-secondary education, making it difficult for them to enter the workforce if their child is killed or becomes disabled in service of their country. This bill would expand the definition of “eligible person” in Chapter 35 to include dependent parents of servicemembers. Granting dependent parents of servicemembers access to Chapter 35 benefits will allow them to gain the necessary skills to enter the workforce and support themselves and other surviving family members. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. ###

For nearly 50 years, federal guidelines have proactively protected students from discrimination in career & technical education. I joined @SenTimKaine and @RepBonamici to tell the Dept. of Education to abandon its unlawful effort to scrap these vital protections. Equity isn't optional. Letter: https://t.co/k7hOn4sxwn

Gloria was a steady presence and a trusted friend, someone I could always turn to for wisdom about which fights were worth having and how to win them. We shared an unflagging optimism and determination to make the future better for our daughters. Full statement: https://t.co/KUat1PR5B0

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released the following statement on the death of Gloria Steinem, the pioneering feminist writer and organizer, who Norton knew as a friend and fellow activist for more than 50 years. "Gloria and I first met when we were organizing what came to be the modern women's political movement. We co-founded the National Women's Political Caucus in 1971 with the goal of electing more women to serve in office and collaborated many times over our more than 50 years of friendship to advance the cause of gender equality. In the decades since, from my work at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission through more than three decades in Congress, Gloria remained a steady presence and a trusted friend, someone I could always turn to for wisdom about which fights were worth having and how to win them. We shared an unflagging optimism and determination to make the future better for our daughters. "In 2013 I received the 'Gloria Award' from the Ms. Foundation, named after Ms. Magazine, which Gloria founded and I regularly contributed to. I said then that an award named after my friend should come with a receipt attached saying 'Keep on earning it.' "Gloria's work may be finished, but there is still much to do. We find ourselves again with men in power who would prefer that women limit ourselves to the role defined by our differentiating reproductive capabilities rather than the full potential of our minds. The gender pay gap has narrowed, but it persists. We must carry Gloria's example forward the only way she would have wanted: by refusing to accept less than full equality for women, and by getting back to work." Norton and Steinem first worked together in New York in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and their collaboration continued for more than five decades across the founding of key feminist institutions, Norton's tenure at the EEOC, and her service in Congress representing the District of Columbia. ###

Gloria's work may be finished, but there is still much to do. We must carry Gloria's example forward the only way she'd want: by refusing to accept less than full equality for women and by getting back to work. https://t.co/fHQUNP5vEC

We recently lost one of the first celebrity advocates for #DCStatehood when actor & activist Hayden Panettiere passed away in August. Hayden's affection for DC and support for statehood never wavered, and DC formally honored her by recognizing 9/16/2011 as "Hayden Panettiere Day." May she rest in peace.

I'm pleased to introduce my resolution to designate September as "Peace Month," an idea that came from a class of DC 2nd graders. As the US is engaged in an illegal and ill-advised war with Iran, we should take note that even our youngest constituents are paying attention. https://t.co/JXNTedLNqR

East Potomac Park belongs to the people. Pres. Trump’s rushed redevelopment plan could destroy its public golf courses, eliminate its beloved trails, and make golfing there inaccessible to all but the richest. Public lands deserve public input and protection, and I’ll keep fighting to stop him.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, ahead of International Day of Peace on September 21, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a resolution supporting the designation of September 2026 as national “Peace Month” and calling on Congress to take action to promote peace, at home and abroad. The idea for the resolution came from the Helpful Potato Bugs, a class of second-grade students at Horace Mann Elementary School in the District of Columbia. Eight years ago, the students sent Norton a handwritten note, adorned with peace signs, expressing their desire to “help make the world a peaceful place” and for “all Americans to be nice, have no conflicts, and be very peaceful.” Norton has introduced resolutions supporting the designation of September as Peace Month since then. “I’m pleased to introduce this resolution ahead of the International Day of Peace, a commemoration that calls on nations around the world to lay down their arms and pursue peacemaking and diplomacy,” Norton said. “At a time when the United States is engaged in an illegal and ill-advised war with Iran, it is more important than ever that we reaffirm our commitment to peace and diplomacy. “Congress should take note that even our youngest constituents are paying attention. Some of the best ideas for legislation come directly from constituents, which is why I’m grateful to the second graders who wrote to me in 2018 about the importance of building a more peaceful society and world. Their voices remind us of our responsibility to uphold our constitutional role and take action to advance peace at home and around the world.” Norton's resolution follows. RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as “Peace Month” and calling on Congress to take action to promote peace. Whereas the United Nations designated September 21 “International Day of Peace”, otherwise known as Peace Day; Whereas the United Nations General Assembly declared Peace Day as a day devoted to “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples”; Whereas all United Nations member states, organizations, regional and nongovernmental organizations, and individuals are encouraged to celebrate and recognize global peace efforts on Peace Day; Whereas Peace Day represents shared hopes of an end to conflict in all forms; Whereas the United Nations calls for a 24-hour global cease fire on Peace Day; Whereas this year’s Peace Day theme is “Invest in Peace - For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”; Whereas the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone development in contemporary human history promoting peace and well-being worldwide; Whereas global peace promotion efforts improve the lives of Americans and all peoples; Whereas the United States has a long history of promoting peace and human rights at home and abroad; and Whereas September would be an appropriate month to designate as Peace Month: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— supports the designation of “Peace Month”; and calls on Congress to promote peace, both at home and abroad. ###