If you are planning a trip to the Washington, D.C. area, my office can assist you with information about available public tours for popular attractions. See below if you would like more details, or request more information by contacting my office in Connecticut via phone or U.S. mail.

I suggest the Internet links below for planning your trip, and welcome you to Washington!

NOTE: Please contact my office at least 6-8 weeks in advance to arrange a Capitol tour and 2-3 months in advance to arrange a White House tour. Specific information on these tours as well as other tours is described below. Space is limited and certain times of year are busier than others, but my staff and I will do our best to make your trip to Washington enjoyable. All tour information is subject to change, please contact my Washington, D.C. office for the most up-to-date information.

The U.S. Capitol
You can see Congress in action with passes to the Senate and House visitors' galleries. These do not require advance notice and can be picked up at my office right next to the Capitol (Russell Senate Building, Room SR-448) from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. You can also schedule tours of the Capitol for groups of no more than 15 people. Tours are available with our office, by reservation, Monday thru Friday. Groups of 15 or more will be re-routed through the U.S. Capitol Guide Service. The U.S. Capitol Guide Service also offers tours to all individuals and groups Monday thru Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The White House
The White House re-opened for public tours in September of 2004 to groups of 10 or more. Although my office works to combine groups of 10 or more, the groups with the best chance of receiving a White House tour are those who call at least 2-3 months in advance with 10 or more already assembled together. My staff and I do our best to accommodate groups of all sizes.

An alternative to a White House tour is a visit to the White House Visitors Center. The Visitors Center features many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishings, first families, social events, and relations with the press and world leaders, as well as a thirty-minute video. It is located at the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets (look for the three American flags and the blue awnings) and is open 7 days a week from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. For the most up-to-date information, visitors are encouraged to call the 24-hour tour information line at 202-456-7041. Additionally, the National Park Service can provide alternative experiences at 202-208-1631.

The United States Supreme Court
Tours are available when the Court is out of session each year. Please contact my Washington, D.C. office to discuss availability.

The Smithsonian Institution
From the Star-Spangled Banner to the Apollo Missions, from Natural History to African art, the Smithsonian museums alone can occupy days of your visit to Washington.

National Air & Space Museum The National Air and Space Museum is located on the National Mall at 7th and Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C., just west of the Capitol building. The closest metro stations are L'Enfant Plaza or Smithsonian. Information is available on Special Services for disabled visitors. The Museum is currently undergoing renovation. Some exhibitions will be closed temporarily. Please see the renovation information & schedule of exhibition closings for more information.

State Department: Diplomatic Reception Rooms
Take a virtual tour of these stunning renovated halls. To visit the State Department in person, please contact my office at least one month in advance in order to schedule a tour of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms. Please note that security information including full names, birth dates and social security numbers is required in order to reserve this tour. The State Department recommends this tour for those 12 years and older.

Federal Bureau of Investigation
As of August 30, 2002, tours of the FBI have been closed until further notice for extensive renovations.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Please contact my office at least one month in advance if you would like to visit The Bureau of Engraving in Printing. If your schedule is uncertain prior to your visit, you can also go on a tour by simply going to the Bureau and waiting on line for tickets. The Bureau's general tour hours are Monday thru Friday from 9:00AM until 2:00PM. We also schedule tours of the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. However, we do need security information including the full names, birth dates and social security numbers in order to arrange tours in Philadelphia and Denver.

National Archives
Housing America's landmark documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

Newseum
See today's front page from dozens of newspapers worldwide, or file your own on-camera story from the anchor desk or lawn of the White House. Tour American history and popular culture through the eyes of the media. The Newseum is closed until 2006 in preparation for its move to a new location on Capitol Hill. Note: An outdoor version of the Newseum's popular "Today's Front Pages" exhibit is now on display at the future museum site (Pennsylvania Avenue and Sixth Street, N.W.).

United States Holocaust Memorial

Mount Vernon
Explore George Washington's beautiful estate, with many activities and seasonal events, along the Potomac just outside of Washington.

Arlington National Cemetery
Located across the Potomac River in Virginia, visitors may witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame for John F. Kennedy.

National Cathedral
Only completed in the 1990's, this immense gothic cathedral towers above Northwest Washington with some of the city's best views. The web site offers more on upcoming events, history, architecture, and tours.