Members of the House and their staff will be able to escort certain visitors into the Capitol starting Wednesday.
Why it matters: The House is slowly starting to reopen after shutting down more than a year of pandemic restrictions. The Senate already allows official visits, with a staff escort.
- The change is all the more meaningful after allegations some House members may have escorted some participants in the Jan. 6 Capitol siege through the building during the days before the attack.
Congress barred public access to the U.S. Capitol and House and Senate buildings the evening of March 12, 2020.
- The new policy applies to anyone seeking to enter the building for official business, including lobbyists and reporters lacking a permanent pass.
- The same policy will apply to the five House office buildings beginning April 29, a day after President Biden is set to deliver a joint address to Congress
- The House sergeant at arms is expected to formally announce in a letter to members on Monday.