U.S. Capitol Restrictions

After two years of pandemic and insurrection-related security restrictions, lobbyists are urging Congress to let them roam the halls of Capitol Hill once again. The National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics, which represents lobbyists, is asking that the restrictions be lifted. The group is concerned with strict rules on the House side. Currently, lobbyists may conduct in-person meetings on Capitol Hill, so long as a congressional aide signs them in and escorts them around the buildings.  On Tuesday, chiefs of staff were briefed on the reopening of the Capitol, which could begin in the next several weeks. Details are still being worked out and a plan is expected to be released in the next 2-3 weeks. Official business visitors and school groups may likely be allowed into the Capitol building in the early stages of the phase-in.