Current:Home > ScamsU.S. Capitol reopens doors to visitors that were closed during pandemic -ProsperityStream Academy
U.S. Capitol reopens doors to visitors that were closed during pandemic
View
Date:2025-04-17 00:48:51
At the peak of Washington, D.C., tourism season, there are more signs of a post-COVID return of crowds and workers on Capitol Hill.
In testimony before senators and House members this week, Capitol Hill administrators reported they had completed the reopening of more of the office building doors, access points and entrances that were shuttered during COVID, while the campus was largely closed to visitors. As a result, the Capitol police chief acknowledged the reopening is adding some urgency to the agency's efforts to recruit officers to staff the checkpoints.
The Senate sergeant at arms said in a submission to the legislative committees Wednesday, "We have reopened the Capitol Visitor Center on Saturdays, so that the American people are able to safely and easily visit their seat of government. On the Senate side, we have reopened all doors that were open prior to COVID."
The architect of the Capitol released an estimate to a Senate panel stating that the peak population of workers on the grounds has again reached 30,000 people.
But U.S. Capitol Police acknowledge a stubborn staffing shortage, even as the Capitol complex experiences a return of crowds and restored access to visitors. As of this past Friday, a report from the agency said the department is approximately 110 officers below its authorized staffing levels. In a written report to the Senate Rules Committee, Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger wrote, "Adequately staffing a campus door requires three to four officers per shift to ensure a proper level of security… Long lines are not only an inconvenience to Members, staff, and for visitors, they represent a security risk that, in these increasingly volatile times, the Department must address. While big picture reforms are significant and important, staffing daily mission requirements are vital."
But Manger said last week at a joint House-Senate hearing that some new recruitment efforts have been productive in "attracting good quality folks."
"This is a unique police department," Manger told lawmakers. "We are appealing to folks who want to serve their country."
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has frequently credited Congressional administrators with re-opening the grounds fully to visitors this year. McCarthy periodically greets and poses for photos with tourists before holding media events. Earlier this month, his office announced a "pop-up photo line" with tourists inside the Capitol.
The Capitol complex was closed, fully or partially, to visitors for more than a year during the COVID pandemic.
veryGood! (82796)
Related
- Oklahoma parole board recommends governor spare the life of man on death row
- 'No place to live': Why rebuilding Maui won't be easy after deadly fires
- 'No place to live': Why rebuilding Maui won't be easy after deadly fires
- How common is nail biting and why do so many people do it?
- RFK Jr. grilled again about moving to California while listing New York address on ballot petition
- What is the best dog food or puppy food? These are the top four recommended by experts.
- Why Brody Jenner Says He Wants to be “Exact Opposite” of Dad Caitlyn Jenner Amid Fatherhood Journey
- Adam Sandler, family team up for 'You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah': Release date, cast, trailer
- The GOP and Kansas’ Democratic governor ousted targeted lawmakers in the state’s primary
- Trump could face big picture RICO case in Georgia, expert says
Ranking
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- What does Georgia spend on 'Kirby Copter' for coach's recruiting? It's not cheap.
- As death toll from Maui fire reaches 89, authorities say effort to count the losses is just starting
- 3 former GOP operatives to pay $50K for roles in a fake charity tied to E. Palestine derailment
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- NASCAR at Indianapolis 2023: Start time, TV, streaming, lineup for Verizon 200 at the Brickyard
- Mishmash of how US heat death are counted complicates efforts to keep people safe as Earth warms
- The Ultimatum’s April Marie Gives Birth, Welcomes First Baby With Cody Cooper
Recommendation
Former Milwaukee hotel workers charged with murder after video shows them holding down Black man
'Below Deck,' reality producers stepped in to stop a drunken assault — this time
Jeff Bezos reportedly buys $68 million home in Miami's billionaire bunker. Tom Brady and Ivanka Trump will be his neighbors.
As death toll from Maui fire reaches 89, authorities say effort to count the losses is just starting
Matt Damon remembers pal Robin Williams: 'He was a very deep, deep river'
Texas questions rights of a fetus after a prison guard who had a stillborn baby sues
Bethany Joy Lenz says 'One Tree Hill' costars tried to save her from 'secret life' in cult
'I was being a dad': Embattled school leader's heated exchange with reporter caps disastrous week