House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) tweeted screenshots Wednesday of a letter he sent to legislative branch officials that said the United States Capitol would reopen to the public on Jan. 3 when the Republican Party takes over the lower chamber.
McCarthy tweeted a screenshot of the letter he sent last month. The letter highlighted his goal of opening the capitol building on Jan. 3, 2023, to end its yearslong closure.
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“Beginning on January 3, 2023, the People’s House must once again be open to the American public,” McCarthy wrote.
“Reopening the House is more than just a symbolic measure — government of the people, by the people, and for the people requires interaction with the people. It is for this reason that we must welcome Americans from across this nation back to the Halls of Congress.”
McCarthy is a favorite to become the next speaker of the House next month since he secured the position of House Republican Party leader in a smaller election in November.
U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger told lawmakers last week that he was aiming to have the Capitol Complex ready to reopen fully in the next three months. Prior to the Jan. 6 attack at the Capitol, Capitol Hill was closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Manger said he hopes to have the Capitol open to pre-pandemic levels within the next three months.
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Capitol areas geared toward tourism are already reopening to the public. Guided tours are currently available for the crypt, rotunda, and statuary hall by reservation. The House and Senate galleries are not included in tours.
