Visit Washington, D.C.
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PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE INFORMATION BELOW REGARDING TOURS IN WASHINGTON DC

FOR TOUR REQUESTS AFTER NOVEMBER PLEASE CONTACT SENATOR KIRK OR SENATOR DURBIN

For many Americans, visiting our nation’s capital is a once in a lifetime experience.  If you decide to visit Washington D.C., my office is happy to assist you in any way.  There are many exciting attractions in and around the city.  Below you will find the attractions for which my office can submit congressional tour requests on your behalf.  You will also find additional information including links to tour information, transportation information and other helpful information for your trip to the city. 

To receive a complete guide to the city, please contact R.J. Layher in my Washington, D.C. office.  To request a tour listed below, please complete the Tour Request Form.  This form, along with additional questions or concerns, may also be submitted to R.J. Layher.  Keep in mind that additional information will be required for White House tour requests. 

My office can initiate tour requests on your behalf for the United States Capitol, the White House, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress.  However, we cannot guarantee tickets as they are distributed by each individual location and not directly by my office.  Information on other attractions – from public monuments to executive agency tours – can be found on our Public Tour Page and our Monuments and Memorials Page.

The United States Capitol Building is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. It has housed the meeting chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives for over two centuries. It stands as a monument to the American people and their government. Whenever possible my office will provide a personal staff led tour of the Capitol Building. These tours are available Monday through Friday with the exception of federal holidays. Availability for these tours is limited and advance reservations are required. If for some reason my office is unable to provide you a personal staff led tour, we will assist you in arranging a public tour of the Capitol.
For more than 200 years, the White House has been more than just the home of the Presidents and their families. Throughout the world, it is recognized as the symbol of the President, of the President's administration, and of the United States. Tours of the White House are available Monday through Saturday with the exception of federal holidays. Tours of the White House can be requested through my office; however, I ask that you place a request as early as possible due to the large demand and limited availability. Requests can be made as early as six months in advance and are considered by the White House Visitor's Center on a first come first serve basis. In order for my office to submit a tour request on your behalf we must submit detailed information for each individual attending the tour. In addition to the Tour Request Form, please have the following information available for each individual when you contact my office: Full name (first, middle, last), date of birth, Social Security number, city and state of residence, and gender. All information is required and kept confidential. While I recommend submitting your request as soon as possible, please note that the White House does not inform Congressional offices of tour request status until 2-3 weeks prior to requested tour date. Once your request has been submitted it is up to the discretion of the White House to fulfill your request. Neither I nor my office has any influence over their decision.
The Supreme Court is the highest tribunal in the nation for all cases and controversies arising under the Constitution or the laws of the United States. The Court stands as the final arbiter of the law and guardian of constitutional liberties. Its charge, emblazoned over the doors of this building, is to ensure "Equal Justice Under Law." The Supreme Court is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 p.m. with the exception of federal holidays. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of a variety of educational programs available during their visit including Courtroom Lectures, a visitors’ film, and exhibitions that are changed periodically. Additionally, my office can assist you with scheduling Congressional Lecture for up to six people.
The Library of Congress offers many exciting activities for those visiting Washington, D.C. The Thomas Jefferson Building offers guided and self-guided tours of the building and exhibitions. Congressional tours of the Library of Congress can be reserved through my office for Monday through Friday in the morning and the afternoon. Public tours are conducted Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
You'll see millions of dollars being printed during a tour of the BEP. The tour features the various steps of currency production, beginning with large, blank sheets of paper, and ending with wallet-ready bills. As the U.S. Government's security printer, the BEP is responsible for the design, engraving and printing of all U.S. paper currency. A world leader in printing technology, the Bureau also produces portions of U.S. passports, materials for Homeland Security, military identification cards, Immigration and White House invitations, and other U.S. securities. While by office can assist you in reserving a tour, securing tours of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is extremely difficult and requires 6 months advance notice. Public tours are also available; however, tickets are required for all tours beginning the first Monday in March, on a first-come, first-served basis. Same day tickets are offered beginning at 8:00 a.m. and typically sell out by 9:00 a.m.