Bice: The U.S. Capitol is (Barely) Open to OK-05

By Congresswoman Stephanie Bice

The People’s House is back, but unfortunately, still under serious restrictions thanks to House Democrats. Speaker Pelosi recently announced the first phase of the reopening of the Capitol which includes resuming tours starting on March 28. Instead of returning to pre-COVID capacity, every House office will be limited to only one tour per week. To truly serve our constituents in a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people, we must make this institution as accessible as possible to all Americans.

Our nation has made tremendous strides in combating COVID-19. Cases, hospitalizations, and death rates are plummeting, and we are finally resuming normal life. Businesses and events across the country have reopened, including museums, stadiums, restaurants, concerts, and nearly every state legislature and capital. Even here in Washington, the city is reignited with tourists traveling from all around the world to see the monuments, beautiful cherry blossoms, and learn about the rich history of our nation – except at the People’s House.

Congress should be leading by example, which is impossible when burdensome policies jeopardize Americans’ constitutional right to petition their government. Since being sworn into Congress over 15 months ago, access to the Capitol and House office buildings have been extremely limited and tours have been prohibited. This time of year is typically very busy with thousands of Americans walking the halls of our House office buildings and meeting with their representatives about issues of importance to them and to their communities. In fact, as we approach the summer months, even more Oklahomans will want to travel to Washington to visit our nation’s capital. Unfortunately, after 745 days of the longest closure in the Capitol’s history, Speaker Pelosi has created a complicated, phased “reopening” which will continue to negatively affect Americans and impact their ability to interact with their government.

Although I’m grateful to finally welcome my constituents to Washington, even under this limited tour system, this unnecessary phased plan has posed significant scheduling difficulties and confusion. Please know that my office is committed to doing our very best to serve you and assist you in scheduling tours. If you would like to visit Washington and take a tour of the U.S. Capitol, you may request one on my website at ‘bice.house.gov’. Tours will be offered on a first come, first served basis during this highly restricted time.

Americans deserve to walk the halls of the Capitol and House of Representatives and relay their ideas and concerns to their elected Member of Congress. I urge my Democrat colleagues to remove these pointless restrictions and allow the American people to exercise their long-overdue constitutional rights.