[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 174 (Friday, November 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RESOLUTION TO PRESERVE STAFF-LED TOURS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 9, 2007

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, today I, along with my 
colleagues John Duncan Jr., Debbie Wasserman Shultz, Michael Capuano, 
and Jim Matheson are introducing a resolution expressing the sense of 
the House of Representatives that staff-led tours of the United States 
Capitol should be preserved.
  Staff-led tours are a long standing tradition and can be documented 
as far back as 40 years ago. I suspect they date back even earlier, and 
perhaps existed when the Capitol was first constructed when Congressmen 
had constituents or friends visit the Capitol and their staff would 
take them to view the magnificence of the Capitol when the Member was 
not available. Senate Historian Richard Baker asserts that staff-led 
tours have always existed. Regardless of exactly when staff-led tours 
began, it has become an honored and well-worn custom.
  While there is no chronicle of when staff-led tours first began, 
tours given by professional staff, known as the Capitol Guide Service 
were established in 1876. Upon establishment of the Capitol Guide 
Service, there was a 25 cent fee for getting a guided tour of the 
Capitol. Tom Nottingham, a well known member of the Capitol 
Preservation Society was an outspoken activist against the fee and 
advocated for a free and open Capitol. Finally in 1971, through the 
Legislative Reorganization Act, tours of the Capitol were offered free 
of charge.
  Since that date, visitors have been able to visit their Member 
offices prior to going to the Capitol. Members or someone from their 
personal staff often accompany these visitors to the Capitol. It is 
important to note that the Capitol Guide Service has existed for over 
100 years now and they have co-existed with staff-led tours without any 
controversy or incident.
  As a Representative of a congressional district in close proximity to 
the United States Capitol, not only do my constituents come and visit 
the Capitol, but also friends and family of my constituents often join 
in these special tours conducted by my staff. As most Members will 
affirm, it is a joy to have all these visitors come and see for the 
first time the U.S. Capitol.
  Recently, a constituent contacted my office requesting a Capitol 
tour. On our way through the Cannon Tunnel to see the artwork on 
display from the Congressional Art Competition, it turned out that her 
nephew, whom she had never met, had his drawing on display at the 
Cannon Tunnel. She was able to connect with her nephew and family 
through the ability to receive a personalized tour through my office. 
Had this option not been available, she would have had a hard time 
getting a personalized tour, and would not have been able to stop and 
get a good look at her nephew's award-winning artwork.
  Also, observing constituent's State statue has become one of the 
hallmarks of staff-led tours. Perhaps one of the greatest examples is 
the statue of King Kamehameha the Great, one of the most impressive 
statues in Statuary Hall and one that brings much pride to visiting 
Hawaiians. Tours conducted through the Capitol Guide Service average 
around 40 people per tour and it is very difficult for professional 
staff to accommodate personal requests. We have an obligation to 
provide constituent services here in the House of Representatives and 
at our respective districts. Anecdotes of memorable tours can be 
recalled by all Members and by staff who have led a tour of the 
Capitol. The honor and privilege of providing this service to our 
constituents is not something that should be compromised.
  I understand but disagree with the concerns of those that might want 
to do away with staff-led tours. Since the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, 
the Capitol Police increased security. Since the attacks of September 
11th, the security of the Capitol was increased further. Even with all 
these security improvements, we have managed to preserve the right of 
our constituents to continue touring the Capitol with congressional 
staff. We cannot and should not let fear of the uncertain end this time 
honored tradition.
  The resolution we introduce today recognizes the sentiment of many of 
us in Congress that staff-led tours are a long established tradition in 
the Capitol and an important part of constituent services. Staff-led 
Capitol tours must continue and the opening of the Capitol Visitor's 
Center should not change this policy. I urge my colleagues to support 
this resolution calling for the preservation of staff-led tours.

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