Coverage Guidelines

*Filing from the Committee Hearing Rooms*

This is a reminder that space at the press tables during committee hearings is reserved for Daily and Periodical Reporters only. Photographers are permitted to use this space on an availability basis. Gallery staff will try to reserve editing space if possible for large upcoming hearings. Otherwise, please remember that we have our studio workspace in Dirksen 151.

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR:

Dear Gallery Member:

Recently, some newspaper reporters and photographers have been asked by their organization to use video to file multi-media stories for their web sites. We remind you that use of video cameras in the Capitol complex is restricted. If your organization is considering having you record video, please contact us. For further information regarding coverage rules, please visit the Senate TV/Radio Gallery Web site.

Sincerely,

Jeff Kent

Director, Press Photographers Gallery

 

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

THE STANDING COMMITTEE REQUESTS ALL STILL PHOTOGRAPHERS COVERING ACTIVITIES OF THE CONGRESS CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN AN ORDERLY AND UNOBTRUSIVE MANNER. PHOTOGRAPHERS MUST ACT AND DRESS IN STRICT CONFORMITY WITH AND OBSERVANCE OF THE ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS OF DIGNITY, PROPRIETY, COURTESY, AND DECORUM TRADITIONALLY RESERVED FOR THE CONGRESS IN ITS OPERATIONS. THE STANDING COMMITTEE REMINDS MEMBERS THAT INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR AND ATTIRE MAY RESULT IN LIMITATIONS BEING IMPOSED ON ACCESS AND COVERAGE.

 

 A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR:

Dear Gallery Member:

Due to several recent hearings with large numbers of photographers, we need to remind everyone of the rules pertaining to behavior in the “well”.

  • Do not use cell phones or laptops in the committee well.
  • Photographers should be seated, cross-legged style, either on the floor or on low stools, with backs against the dais. This gives the witness plenty of room, and everybody a chance to make a picture;
  • Do not rush the witness or members;
  • Do not rest your camera on the dais, witness table or court reporter table;
  • Please do not lie down;
  • Avoid excessive movement;
  • Keep your head below the dais level;
  • Put extra gear in S-317 or SD-151;
  • Dress Code is business attire, or at the very least, casual business attire;
  • Photographers should not wear: shorts, tee shirts, sandals, jeans and generally sloppy clothes;
  • In the long run, adhering to these rules will help us get and retain better access to the people you cover on the Hill.

 

GUIDELINES FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

THE CAPITOL BUILDING

Photographs may be made in the public areas of the Capitol under the following rules:

  • For photographs not including senators or representatives, please check with the Gallery staff for proper procedures to secure necessary permission.
  • Use of tripods in public areas is restricted. Permission for their use must be obtained from the Capitol Police, Room ST-9/U.S. Capitol.

THE SENATE

Access to the Senate floor is prohibited. The taking of pictures of any kind is prohibited in the Senate Chamber, the Senate Reading rooms (marble room and Lobby), the Senate cloakrooms, the private dining rooms of the Senate, and in the hallways on the third floor. (Senate Rule IV) Photographing through or toward the Chamber doors is prohibited. Accredited photographers can place requests for Senators at the northwest entrance to the chamber. Photographers may accompany Senators into the President’s room for photographs.

SECOND FLOOR OUTSIDE SENATE CHAMBER

Photographers may stand along the south side of the Ohio Clock corridor to photograph Senators but must secure permission before photographing. During formal stakeouts and party caucus luncheons, photographers must wait in stakeout areas, except to accompany the Senator with his or her permission. Due to space limitations, organizations may be requested not to have more than one photographer at the stake out area in the Ohio Clock corridor. Photographers are to avoid impeding access along these corridors.

THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

No photographers are permitted in the House Chamber except on special occasions such as the Joint Meetings of Congress, State of the Union addresses, etc. Admittance on such occasions is limited and requires special credentials.

Photographing through or toward the Chamber doors is prohibited.

Accredited photographers may request members to leave the floor by placing requests for Democratic members with the doormen at the East entrance to the Speaker’s Lobby and for Republican members at the West entrance.

Photographers asking members to leave the Floor must wear jackets and ties to access the Speaker’s Lobby to place such requests. Unless special permission is obtained from the Speaker’s office, no photographs may be made in the corridors adjacent to the House chamber. Members should be taken outside, to the Rayburn Reception Room or to the Will Roger’s corridor for such photographs.

COMMITTEE HEARINGS

Generally photographs are permitted at open hearings, however, each committee establishes its own rules governing photo coverage. Photographers are usually allowed in committees wells, but should remain below the top of the dais and not between the witness and members of the committee. The use of cellular phones, lap tops and other electronic communication devices is prohibited in the committee well. It is the Gallery’s right to limit the number of still photographers in a committee’s well.

OTHER INFORMATION

ACCESS TO CHAMBERS

A portion of each chamber on the gallery level is reserved for press use. Photographers, with the permission of the superintendent of the Press galleries, may use these galleries to observe the proceedings.When present in either chamber, the possession or use of photographic, recording, transmitting, or binocular equipment is prohibited. Smoking, reading of newspapers, and audible conversation is not permitted.

CHANGE OF AFFILIATION

Photographers changing affiliation on which current accreditation is based must reapply for membership.

PARKING

The Senate and House of Representatives are not obligated to provide parking for photographers covering the Congress. Check with Gallery staff for information.

RESTAURANT FACILITIES

Photography is not permitted in Senate Restaurants Facilities.