Press Releases

Rep. Ralph Norman Introduces Resolution in Support of Reopening the U.S. Capitol to the American People

Washington, D.C., February 23, 2022 | Austin Livingston (202-740-8937)

This past Friday, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-5) introduced H.Res 934 in the House of Representatives in support of “reopening the United States Capitol and House Office Buildings to the American people.”

Background Information

With few exceptions, the United States Capitol and House Office Buildings have been closed to public visitors for almost two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means people visiting our nation’s capital, including school classes, tour groups, individual families visiting D.C., and others have been unable to gain access to these historic buildings. The U.S. Capitol, a building paid for by taxpayers, is one of the last public buildings in the nation that the general population cannot access.

With widespread availability of vaccines, rapidly declining hospitalizations from COVID-19, and an American public that now appears quite comfortable gathering for large sporting events, entertainment, worship, dining, and other outings, Rep. Norman and the co-sponsors of this resolution are calling for the House Office Buildings and the portions of the United States Capitol and Capitol complex within House jurisdiction to return to pre-pandemic visitation policies.

This is mirror legislation to Sen. Bill Hagerty's S.Res.512, which is cosponsored by 26 senators.

Statement

Rep. Norman issued the following statement on Friday: “I can identify no valid reason why the House of Representatives continues to enforce such draconian, restrictive measures when it comes to public access to the buildings within our nation’s Capitol complex. These buildings belong to the American people, and it is long past time we restore public access to the way it was prior to this pandemic. As we approach spring break and the summer travel season in Washington, D.C., there’s no excuse for continuing to lock Americans out of these buildings.”

Co-Sponsors

Original co-sponsors of this legislation include: Rep. Brian Babin (TX), Andy Biggs (AZ), Mo Brooks (AL), Ted Budd (NC), Dr. Michael Burgess (TX), Andrew Clyde (GA), Jeff Duncan (SC), Chuck Fleischmann (TN), Andrew Garbarino (NY), Bob Gibbs (OH), Louie Gohmert (TX), Lance Gooden (TX), Andy Harris (MD), Jody Hice (GA), Bill Huizenga (MI), Darrell Issa (CA), Dusty Johnson (SD), Nancy Mace (SC), Mary Miller (IL), Steven Palazzo (MS), Scott Perry (PA), Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA), William Timmons (SC), Joe Wilson (SC), and Steve Womack (AR).