[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER WELCOMES ITS ONE MILLIONTH VISITOR

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                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 2009

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge 
an important milestone. At some point early this afternoon, the Capitol 
Visitor Center will welcome its one millionth visitor. While the 
specific individual will not be identified, that person will represent 
the millions of annual visitors who journey to the United States 
Capitol Complex to witness firsthand our democracy at work. These 
schoolchildren, senior citizens, families and international visitors 
hopefully depart with a greater understanding of the unique and 
extraordinary nature of our system of government and the history of 
this great nation.
  Officially opened on December 3, 2008, the Capitol Visitor Center 
serves as the gateway to the United States Capitol Complex. With the 
opening of the Visitor Center and renewed interest in government, we 
are seeing more than twice as many visitors as we did before. The 
Visitor Center's one million visitors compares to 467,800 visitors 
during the same five-month period just one year ago. That represents a 
114-percent increase in the number of people visiting the Capitol.
  During the 12 days of the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Capitol 
Visitor Center welcomed 187,000 people--an average of 15,500 visitors a 
day. More than 90 percent of the visitors during this period had 
reserved their tours through their Members of Congress.
  Since its opening, the CVC's peak day was Monday, April 20th when 
19,500 people visited the Capitol. I am told that, in past years, that 
many visitors would have led to a four-hour wait time. The current 
average wait time is six to ten minutes.
  With all of these accomplishments, I am most proud to confirm that, 
as promised, we continue to offer staff-led tours! And in its first few 
months of operations, the Visitor Center staff has made many 
adjustments to ensure that the Visitor Center provides flexibility to 
Members of Congress in serving their constituents.
  I would like to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to 
the CEO of the Capitol Visitor Center, Ms. Terrie Rouse, and to her 
team of professionals who are often the first individuals to greet our 
constituents during their Capitol visits. I offer special thanks to the 
tour guides, visitor assistants, Capitol Police, gift shop and 
restaurant staffs and the many, many others who ensure that visitors 
have an informative and inspirational visit. I would also like to thank 
my colleagues and the various staff members who have taken the time to 
offer their input and work with the CVC staff to improve the visitor 
experience.
  We thank you for your service and look forward to welcoming the next 
one million visitors.

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