Congressional Visits
You have a very important issue you want to discuss with your elected officials. You requested and, to your surprise, were able to schedule a meeting with one of your representatives while they are in your area during a congressional recess. How do you get ready for the meeting? What are some things to keep in mind during your session with the senator?
- Read our suggestions on how to make the most of your Congressional Visit here.
- Search and contact your elected officials by zip code here.
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Visit Congress In Session
The Senate and House Galleries are open to visitors whenever either legislative body is in session; however the Galleries are not included as part of the U.S. Capitol tour. Passes are required to enter the Galleries. Visitors may obtain Gallery passes from the offices of their senators or representative. International visitors may inquire about Gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center. When the House of Representatives is not in session, visitors with passes are admitted to the Gallery from 9 a.m. to no later than 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The last entry into the Gallery may be earlier than 4 p.m. based on demand. Visitors are advised to arrive prior to 4 p.m. for the best opportunity to view the Gallery. The House Gallery is closed on holidays and is subject to unplanned, temporary closures when the House is out of session. The Senate Gallery is open during scheduled recesses of one week or more, and visitors are admitted to the gallery from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. On recess days, the Gallery closes at 4:30 p.m. The Senate Gallery is closed on weekends and holidays (unless the Senate is in session) and during any recess or adjournment of less than one week. For information on whether the Senate Gallery is open, please call 202.224.0057. Entry to the House and Senate Galleries is through the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center. Learn more and book your tour here. WASHINGTON DC - METRO MAP
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Tours of the Capitol
All visitors view the historic areas of the Capitol on a guide-led tour. The tour includes visiting the Crypt, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall. The tour does not include visiting the Senate and House Galleries, which require separate passes. The Capitol Visitor Center welcomes visitors from across the United States and around the world. Identification is not required to enter the Capitol or to enjoy a tour. All tours, programs and activities are free of charge. Advance Reservations Advance reservations are recommended, but not required. Individuals, families and small groups (of 15 and fewer people) can click here to create an account and reserve a tour date and time. You must be logged in to your account to see accurate availability. Reservations are available 90 days in advance. U.S. residents may also contact the offices of their representative or senators. Many congressional offices offer their own staff-led tours to constituent groups of up to 15 people, and most can assist you in reserving a tour of the Capitol. Tour services and organizations with groups of more than 15 participants should click here to access the group section of the online reservation system. Reservations for groups become available 120 days in advance. Learn more and book your tour here. 
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