Washington, DC is a beautiful city with so many historic and awe-inspiring sites.  If you are thinking about visiting DC, my office will be happy to provide you with helpful information and resources as you plan your trip here.  Please read through the information below then use our web form to submit your requests.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my Washington, DC office at (202) 225-5614.

It is recommended that you start planning your visit to Washington, DC early.  Tours at many locations fill up quickly, especially during holiday periods and during the spring and summer months, so it is important to reserve tickets and tours as soon as possible.

The White House is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington, DC.  Self-guided tours of the White House are available from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday (excluding federal holidays).  Since demand for White House tours is high and space is limited, we encourage you to submit your request up to 6 months ahead of time, but no later than one month prior to your visit.  Despite early entry, tickets still are typically difficult to obtain.  The lottery is conducted about two weeks prior to the tour date. If the White House accepts your tour request you will be required to submit the name, date of birth, social security number and country of origin for all visitors over 14 years old.  This information is used by the White House to conduct a security clearance.

Constituents planning a trip to Washington, DC may schedule a tour of the United States Capitol through my office.  Tours are free but require passes.  The tour generally lasts about an hour and half but may run a little bit longer during certain parts of the year.  If you would like tickets to the House Gallery please stop by office anytime Monday throughFriday 9 am to 5 pm.  The House Gallery is open whenever the House is in session, and 9am to 4 pm when the House is not in session.  

The Office of Congressional Accessibility Service provides tours of the Capitol and assists individuals with disabilities.  If your visit requires assistance, please contact my office at (202) 225-5614.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing tour will allow you to see money being printed.  The tour features the various steps of currency production, beginning with large, blank sheets of paper, and ending with wallet-ready bills.  Reserved tours of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be made through my office up to six months in advance. Public tours of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing are available Monday through Friday (Federal Holidays Excluded) from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with tours conducted every 20 minutes. Admission is free, but tickets are required.

The Supreme Court offers a variety of educational programs that are self-led exhibits, which are changed periodically, and a theater, where a film on the Supreme Court is shown. Courtroom lectures are thirty minutes long and held every hour on the half-hour, on days that the Court is not sitting, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and concluding at 3:30 p.m.  The building is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  It is closed Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays.  If a reservation is preferred, our office will gladly schedule a lecture for you.  We can, however, only book a maximum of six people.  The Supreme Court is located across the street from the U.S. Capitol and next to the Library of Congress. 

 

A tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts highlights the historic events that led up to the establishment of a national cultural center, as well as an interactive exhibit on the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy. Tours of the Kennedy Center are offered daily, free of charge, and given by the Friends of the Kennedy Center volunteers.  Tours leave about every 10 minutes and no reservations are necessary.  If you would like more information about specific tours that the Kennedy Center offers please visit their website. 

The Diplomatic Reception Rooms of the Department of State, which are used for official functions hosted by the Secretary of State and other high level government officials, are open for pre-arranged tours at no charge. These rooms hold a premier collection of 18th century American furniture, paintings and decorative arts.  Guided tours are conducted Monday through Friday at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, and 2:45 pm. Tours are 45 minutes in duration. Reservations are required and should be made approximately 90 days in advance, due to the large volume of requests.  This is a fine arts tour. The tour is not recommended for children under the age of 12. Strollers are not permitted and there are no facilities for storage of personal belongings.

Wheelchairs as well as sign language interpreters are available upon request with advance notice.  Tours can be reserved through the Department of State’s website or by contacting our office.  

The Library of Congress offers constituent tours and public tours.  Since the tours are very similar, our office recommends the public tours as they allow more flexibility in your schedule.  If your preference is a constituent tour, we can gladly schedule a tour for you. The public tours are offered to groups smaller than 12 people Monday through Saturday at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm (there is no 3:30pm tour on Saturdays and first tour is at 9:30am on Federal Holidays).  

Tickets are distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis.  For more information please visit their website.