WeVote
Log In

Bill

RF

Bill

HR 8543

Build the Ballroom Act

119th Congress Introduced by Randy Fine

authorizes constructing a permanent White House ballroom to host larger events on-site, improving security and reducing off-site hosting needs.

Introduced in House
1
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8543

Bill Overview

  • Bill: HR 8543
  • Session: 119th Congress, 2nd Session
  • Title: Build the Ballroom Act
  • Introduced: April 28, 2026 by Rep. Randy Fine
  • Referred to: House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill would authorize the construction of a ballroom on the grounds of the White House.
  • It frames the project as addressing current space limitations that prevent hosting large formal events on-site and notes security concerns associated with off-campus events.

Key Provisions

  • Section 2 (Findings and Sense of Congress)
    • Finds that:
    • The White House currently cannot host formal events or state dinners for more than ~200 attendees due to space constraints.
    • Larger events are traditionally held off-site, which poses potential security risks to the President.
    • Historical security incidents related to presidential events are cited (references to the 1981 Reagan assassination attempt and a 2026 incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner) to justify on-site event capability.
    • Expresses the sense of Congress that it is time to build a ballroom on the White House grounds with modern security considerations to support the President into the future.
  • Section 3 (Construction Authorization)
    • Authorizes the President to construct a ballroom on the White House grounds, notwithstanding other laws.
    • Key features of the proposed ballroom include:
    • Design consideration for the needs of the President and the Executive Office of the President.
    • Approval of the project would be solely by the President.
    • The ballroom would include heating, electricity, and furniture.
    • Provision for removal of any applicable existing structures as part of the project.
    • The ballroom would be constructed as a permanent structure.

Who/What Is Affected

  • The Executive Office of the President and the White House complex, specifically enabling a permanent ballroom on White House grounds.
  • Security planning and eventhosting capabilities for high-profile presidential events and formal functions.
  • Potential impact on on-site hosting capacity for large-scale events that were previously held off-campus.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill is introductory and was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 28, 2026.
  • It does not currently outline funding, a construction timeline, or specific security standards beyond general references to modern security considerations.
  • As a House bill, it would need passage by both chambers of Congress and signature by the President (or veto override) to become law.

Potential Implications

  • If enacted, the White House would gain an on-site, permanent ballroom capable of hosting larger formal events, potentially enhancing security by keeping events on grounds rather than off-site.
  • The bill shifts project approval authority to the President, reducing external legislative oversight for design approval, though it remains subject to broader statutory and budgeting processes.
  • The proposal emphasizes security context, citing past incidents to justify on-site facilities, which could influence accompanying security planning and infrastructure standards.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.