Lobbyists and Trade Groups Urge Reopening of US Capitol by Summer

WASHINGTON — More than 250 lobbying firms, trade groups and individual lobbyists, led by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics, have signed a letter urging the leaders of the House and Senate to reopen the Capitol to the public after two years of restrictions.

“Members of our profession understand the challenges that Congress has faced and we have been sympathetic to its health, safety, and security concerns over these last two years,” the letter begins. 

“Even though the Centers for Disease Control has issued new guidance on masking and infections are down across the National Capital Region, there are still the security concerns about the Capitol and congressional office buildings,” it continues.

The signatories say they have developed a proposal that could enable the Capitol to be reopened for public visits, though it does not go into specifics.

The letter was delivered on Wednesday to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

Technically speaking, lobbyists have had some access to the Capitol complex since last year. However, they’ve not been afforded the freedom to move about without escorts or appointments as they did in the past.

“The country has reopened, and businesses have employees back in the office. Kids are back in the classroom. Sporting and concert venues have opened for live events. And, with restaurants trying to make a comeback, we would urge Congress to do the same and reopen to the people without appointments starting July 11, 2022,” the letter says.

“What better message to send to the public that we are turning the corner on two years of very difficult and challenging times for this country than by announcing that Capitol Hill is again open to the public?”

Among those, in addition to lobbying firms, who signed the letter were representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Restaurant Association, American International Automobile Dealers Association, the U.S. Travel Association, Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America, American Hotel & Lodging Association, National Maritime Safety Association and the National Office Products Alliance.

They close their letter by asking “to begin an immediate dialogue … to discuss reopening congressional office buildings in a way that is safe for all with security measures already being used in many state legislatures.” 

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