The Capitol

After our White House tour, we wandered over to the Capitol to Louise Slaughter’s Office in the Rayburn House Office Building. In order to see the White House, Capitol and Library of Congress, we had to request tickets through our local representative’s office. As a result, our contact there invited us to stop into her office to pick up passes to the Senate and House Galleries. Thinking we would just grab our passes to use the Friday after our scheduled Capitol tour, we found our way up to the fourth floor and into Louise Slaughter’s office.

We were warmly welcomed and invited into the Congresswoman’s office. With photographs and awards with hometown recognition hanging on the wall, we had a great view out of her window. James, our contact in the office, offered us a tour of the Capitol, right then, to be guided by an office Intern. Jaquarius, originally from Texas, joined the staff about a month ago. He was a fine conversationalist and gracious host as he guided us through the Capitol building.

We saw the crypt, lined with statues from different states, including Robert Livingston representing New York. In addition there is a bust of Lincoln with only one ear. No one really knows why there is only one ear, but it does make for an interesting point to ponder.

Lincoln with only one ear.

We walked the halls of the offices of the House and Congress, visited the original Supreme Court Chambers, and found our way into the statuary, which used to be the House Chambers. Standing on John Adams spot, we learned of the flaw in the room and why they moved the Chambers. (There is an acoustical feature where if you stand on a spot completely opposite John Adams spot, the sound bounces off the arched ceilings and you can hear the speaker clearly.)

Last Chance to See This!

There's a reason why people only heard him in the House Chamber.

After the building tour, we visited the House Gallery where we were able to see Louise Slaughter testifying on the floor. Much to my chagrin, there were very few representatives in the room, making me wonder just what they were doing. However, it was a big day at the Capitol, as Hillary Clinton was there to testify about Benghazi. When we visited the House Gallery, there were only two representatives on the floor.

It was a great day, and although we had an early start, we met some great people, had a personal tour and saw the government in action!