Congress eyes return of tourists with eagerness, anxiety – By Jim Saksa and Chris Cioffi (Roll Call) / March 9, 2022
‘It really rings hollow when you can’t go there,’ one tour operator says of Capitol symbolism
Two years ago this Saturday, the Capitol suddenly closed its doors to the public as the pandemic swept in.
That won’t change this weekend, even as normality returns to most of Washington, but the anniversary is fueling debate about access to the home of Congress.
The corridors of power have grown crowded again as workers return in person, though things aren’t fully back, to the chagrin of some and relief of others. Guests must be escorted by a lawmaker or aide, and the cavernous Capitol Visitor Center remains empty.
On a conference call with Democratic chiefs of staff on Monday, a House Administration Committee staffer announced a reopening plan is in the works, with more details to come in two to three weeks, according to multiple people on the call. The House’s public health emergency is set to expire on March 30.
CONTINUE > https://rollcall.com/2022/03/09/congress-eyes-return-of-tourists-with-eagerness-anxiety/
