How can I tour the Capitol?/ see Congress in session?

The US Capitol is open to the public for tours Monday through Saturday from 9 am until 4:30 pm except for New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The tours are given free of charge, although tickets are required and can be obtained the same day of the tour on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket distribution begins at 9 am at First Street and Independence Avenue. Guided tours last approximately thirty minutes and are organized in groups of 40 people.

Tickets can also be arranged in advance through your Congressional representative or senator's office. Visit www.house.gov or www.senate.gov to locate your representative's contact information.

For information on free, guided tours, call (202) 225-6827. To obtain passes to see the House and Senate in session, call your representative or one of your senators at (202) 224-3121. International visitors are always welcome to view a session of the Senate or House, and should enter through the House of Representatives Gallery line on the South side of the Capitol complex. Capitol Guide Service personnel issue international gallery passes inside the South Screening Facility.

Information about tours for visitors with special needs is available from the Congressional Special Services Office at (202) 224-4048 or (202) 224-4049 (TDD).

from http://www.washington.org,