A difficult balancing act at the US Capitol Fencing and razor wire reinforce the security zone on Capitol Hill in Washington. Permanent fencing should be used to protect the building, according to the Capitol police force’s acting chief. (Eileen Putman/The Associated Press) By Mark Sherman The Associated Press WASHINGTON – The terrace on the west side of the U.S. Capitol used to be a popular place for tourists and Washingtonians alike to watch the sun dip behind the Lincoln Memorial at the far end of the National Mall. Then came the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The terrace has been closed to the public ever since.