Visting Washington 

Congressional courtesy dictates that each citizen contact his or her own congressman to make tour requests. At least two months in advance of their DC visit, residents of the 2nd District of Alabama can contact any of my four offices to obtain information on touring Washington. Due to security-generated mail delays on Capitol Hill, mail requests to my Washington office are not recommended. You may call my DC office at (202) 225-2901, fax to (202) 225-8913, or email via the link at the left of this page. A link to a list of my office addresses can also be found via the "Contact" button to the left of this page.

White House Tours
The events of September 11, 2001 have resulted in changes in tour availability at the White House due to continuing security concerns. Until further notice, the White House has suspended individual public tours and is currently only offering self-guided tours to groups of ten or more. These tours are Tuesday through Saturday and require coordination through a Member of Congress's office. Qualifying groups interested in obtaining a White House tour should contact my office as far in advance as possible.

The Capitol
Guided tours of the US Capitol are offered everyday except Sundays, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving. Visiting hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visitors must obtain free tickets for tours on a first-come, first-served basis at the Capitol Guide kiosk located along the curving sidewalk southwest of the Capitol (near the intersection of First Street, S.W., and Independence Avenue). Ticket distribution begins at 8:15 a.m. daily. Ticketholders will be directed to the South Visitor Receiving Facility, which is located south of the Capitol. From there, they will proceed to the Capitol to begin their tour. The tour takes about an hour and it is advised that you arrive early to allow for customary long lines due to security screening. US House and Senate gallery passes can be picked up at my office at 2312 Rayburn Building (across Independence Avenue from the US Capitol). The nearest Metro (subway) stops are Capitol South on Blue and Orange lines (House side) or Union Station on the Red Line (Senate side).