Another sign that life may be getting back to normal is the DC and the Capitol areas are opening up again to the public. If you have been thinking about heading east and visiting your senators or representative, drop me an email – nyaksich58@gmail.com and let me help arrange your visit on the Hill and around town. More than happy to have you take advantage of being an advocate for LICA!
The House and Senate are back in town beginning this week for a three-week sprint before the midterm elections. There are 57 days until Election Day.
The Capitol is returning to normal – almost.
The public will be allowed into the Senate chamber starting today as part of the “Phase 3” reopening, the Sergeant at Arms told Senate offices last week. Beginning 30 minutes before the Senate comes into session, two public galleries will open to visitors. These galleries will remain open until adjournment. When the Senate isn’t in session, the galleries will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Tickets are available through Senate offices.
On the House side, we expect that the Sergeant at Arms will announce the “Phase 3” reopening this week as well, according to Democratic aides. And starting today, members can bring tour groups into the House public galleries while the chamber is in session. A member or staffer must stay with those visitors while they’re in the galleries. Members can also make appointments to bring tour groups onto the floor when the House is out of session.
House and Senate office buildings are open to the public from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
One of the biggest challenges in fully reopening the Capitol is staffing levels for the U.S. Capitol Police. The Jan. 6 insurrection and Covid-19 pandemic were both brutal on the Capitol Police. USCP Chief Tom Manger says the force is still short 200 employees despite efforts to step up recruiting.
These latest moves by the House and Senate come as the Supreme Court will reopen to the public for the first time in two-and-a-half years when it begins a new session in October. The White House is already open for public tours that need to be reserved well in advance.