; findings (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the New Executive Workgroup for the White House as an Iconic Treasure Expressing Honor, Obligation, Unity, Strength, and Excellence of our Nation Act or the New White House Act . (b) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) In 1789, the United States became the world's first modern national constitutional republic. (2) In 1791, the Nation’s first president, George Washington, selected the site for the White House, and the cornerstone was laid in 1792, after a competition design submitted by Irish-born architect James Hoban was chosen. (3) The security of the White House and the First Family has always been of utmost importance to the Nation. (4) The security needs of the White House have evolved along with the Nation. As conditions warranted, the White House has been modified in order to meet these evolving needs. (5) In 1808, the first fence around the White House was constructed under the oversight of Thomas Jefferson’s administration. This fence was constructed of wooden split-rail barriers on three sides of the grounds and a retaining wall on the other side which bordered the Potomac River wetlands. (6) In the 1930s, the wrought-iron fence of the 19th century was replaced by a steel fence tipped with tall bronze spears. (7) The current fence is about 7-feet tall and there are plans to install a taller one in 2018. (8) During World War II, security became especially strict. The remaining gaps in the White House fence were closed and access to the driveways was restricted. At the same time, the gates to the White House grounds were reinforced. (9) In 1983, following a truck-bomb attack on the U.S. Marine barracks in Lebanon, low concrete walls were put up around the White House. (10) With the rise of vehicle traffic in Washington DC, bollards—sturdy, vertical posts—were added to prevent security breaches by automobiles. (11) In 1950, an assassination attempt on President Harry S. Truman further raised concerns over the safety of the President. (12) In the