Visiting Washington D.C.

Our Nation's Capital is the home of our most important government institutions, but it is also a major cultural and historical center with great natural and architectural beauty. Whether you are visiting Washington for the first time or are simply on another weekend excursion, you will find that Washington always has something new and fascinating to offer. This section of my web site will help you locate old favorites and suggest a variety of attractions to make your visit special.

Congressional Tours

I recommend a visit to the U.S. Capitol, a beautiful structure providing many insights into the history of our nation. The House of Representatives and the Senate are in the Capitol and you are welcome to observe the lawmaking process while either body is in session. Please stop by my office and we will be happy to provide you with gallery passes.  In the House, children under 10 are allowed in the gallery, if accompanied by an adult.  Children must be six years old to be admitted to the Senate gallery.

If you are a resident of Missouri's First Congressional District and would like to schedule a tour of the United States Capitol, please submit a completed Tour Request Form.  You may also call my Washington D.C. office at (202) 225-2406.

White House Tours

Filled with grandeur and history, the White House is a must-see Washington attraction. Currently, my district office can assist you with scheduling a tour of the White House. I recommend that tour requests be made at least three to six months in advance, as this timeline is more likely to secure your tour.  Please note that, of the extra security measures listed below, the White house abides by all of these.  Upon receiving tour confirmation from the White House, visitors will need to provide identification information prior to tour confirmation.

To schedule a White House tour, please contact my St. Louis county office:

ATTN: Sandy Houston

8021 West Florissant, Suite F
St. Louis, MO 63136
Phone: (314) 383-5240
Fax: (314) 383-8020

Top Washington Attractions & Self-Scheduled Tours

While I am more than happy to provide congressional tours, keep in mind that, with the exception of the White House, every tourist attraction is open to the general public.  Tours at these sites can be self-scheduled by contacting the location directly.  This option often works well for visitors who prefer a flexible touring schedule or visitors who's plans are not firm.

Please note that general public tours of the Pentagon, the FBI, the State Department, and the Treasury Department have been suspended indefinitely.  However, there is a slight possibility that special accommodations may be made for school groups, veterans' organizations, active military units, and youth organizations.  Special requests for all tours must be received 3 months in advance of your visit.

I recommend self-scheduling all tours at least three months in advance, as tours are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For a comprehensive guide on contacting and scheduling tours at popular sites in the area, click here.

Security Information

You may be required to provide personal identifying information such as social security or passport numbers and dates of birth to receive tours. Security screening at federal buildings, monuments, and museums may prohibit the following items:

• Aerosol/non-aerosol sprays
• Food/beverage
• Oversized bags of any kind
• Knives of any length
• Razors
• Box cutters
• Mace
• Pepper Spray

While some of these restrictions may be an inconvenience, I am confident that these measures will help to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to our nation's Capital.

A Special Note about White House Tour Security

On September 4, 2009 President Obama announced that visitor access records to the White House Complex will be made publicly available 90-120 days after the date of visit. This policy includes all guests touring the White House. Please be aware that your full name and the date of your visit will be part of the publicly released records. Your date of birth, Social Security Number and all other information provided will not be released.

Other Useful Links

The following sites may also be helpful in making your travel plans to Washington, D.C.

• The White House
• The United States Capitol
• The Federal Bureau of Engraving
• The Kennedy Center
• The Library of Congress
• Mount Vernon
• The United States Supreme Court
• The National Archives
• The Smithsonian Institution
• Washington D.C.'s Office of Tourism
• The Washington D.C. Sightseeing Map
• The U.S. House of Representatives Visitor's Section