How Do I Tour the U.S. Capitol and See Congress in Session?

Learn all you need to know about visiting and touring america’s center of democracy..

UPDATE: The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All tours are free and are led by professional tour guides and do not include the Senate and House Galleries. The tour route is subject to change. Note that advance reservations are required for a tour. Visitors enter through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. Please leave time to go through security and review the U.S. Capitol’s prohibited items list before your visit.

The U.S. Capitol Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and the center of American democracy. The world-famous domed building is home to the United States House of Representatives and Senate; where America’s congressmen and congresswomen conduct business, debate laws and pass bills on behalf of the American people. The U.S. Capitol and U.S. Capitol Visitor Center  is also one of DC’s most popular monuments and museums and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Tour groups in United States Capitol Building Rotunda - Attractions and landmarks in Washington, DC

Tour groups in United States Capitol Building Rotunda - Attractions and landmarks in Washington, DC

How do I arrange a tour of the United States Capitol Building?

Plan your visit in advance! A public tour of the U.S. Capitol is free and open to anyone who makes an advanced reservation, although there are some same-day tickets available by standing in line at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center (note that lines will be long during spring and summer).  We recommend reserving a  reserving a tour date and time .

All tours begin and end at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Inauguration Day).  Tours typically take about 90 minutes and are  fully accessible for people with disabilities.

What will I see on a Capitol tour?

Guided tours begin with a 13-minute intro film, followed stops in the Capitol Rotunda, where guides point out the center point of the District of Columbia, as well as demonstrate the unique acoustical effect where a speaker several yards away can be heard more clearly than a speaker close to the listener. The Capitol Dome is encircled by murals, and the fresco on the eye of the ceiling is called The Apotheosis of Washington showing President Washington rising to the heavens in glory with Liberty and Victory/Fame beside him. Below, on the walls of the Rotunda, are large paintings depicting significant events in American history: The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, The Baptism of Pocohontas, The Embarkation of the Pilgrims, The Landing of Columbus and General George Washington Resigning His Commission. Other stops on the 45-minute walking tour include the Crypt, National Statuary Hall and connecting corridors of the U.S. Capitol, where you’ll see statues representing every state.

Can I see Congress in session?

The guided tour doesn't include the Senate and House galleries. However, visitors can obtain free passes through their congressmen to view both chambers when Congress is in session. International visitors can ask about gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center. When Congress is not in session, the galleries are open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. However, viewing hours are subject to change and are not always the same for the House and Senate galleries. You can check the schedules with your Congressional office when requesting gallery passes. Read more information about  watching Congress in session  and viewing the House and Senate galleries.

@paddyleahy - U.S. Capitol Dome as seen from the Capitol Visitors Center - Washington, DC

@paddyleahy

What’s in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

You’ll find a cafeteria and gift shop in the Capitol Visitor Center. The gift shop carries merchandise inspired by the art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for continental breakfast and lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you haven’t printed your tour reservation, bring along the number you were assigned. There are free listening devices in multiple languages for international visitors.

How do I get to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

Because there is very little parking, it is best to travel via the  Metro or the DC Circulator. There are three Metro stops within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol: Union Station (Red Line), Capitol South and Federal Center SW (Orange, Silver and Blue lines). The Capitol Visitor Center, which serves as the main public entrance, is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First and East Capitol streets.

Looking for more in the neighborhood? Take advantage of  our guide to Capitol Hill .

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  • Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-jan-6-panel-releases-video-of-rep-loudermilk-leading-a-capitol-tour-day-before-attack

WATCH: Jan. 6 panel releases video of Rep. Loudermilk leading a Capitol tour day before attack

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection released video on Wednesday of a tour led by a Republican lawmaker the day before the attack, showing participants taking photos of stairwells and tunnels in the Capitol complex.

Watch the footage in the player above.

The panel released the video as it renewed calls for the GOP lawmaker, Georgia Rep. Barry Loudermilk , to speak to the committee about the tour. Loudermilk has so far declined the interview and denied any wrongdoing, and the chief of the U.S. Capitol Police said in a letter to Republicans this week that after reviewing surveillance video, “we do not consider any of the activities we observed as suspicious.”

Still, the committee says it has questions. In addition to the surveillance video, the footage released by the panel also includes video of an unidentified man walking toward the Capitol on Jan. 6 holding a flagpole that appears to have a sharpened end, which he says is “for a certain person.” The committee says the man who took the video, who is not seen in the footage but is laughing and urging on the man with the flag, is one of the tour participants who was taking photos inside the Capitol the day before.

Read the full text of the letter below:

read-full-loudermilk-letter

Later footage taken by the same man shows people approaching the Capitol. The man taking the video then makes apparent threats toward Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and New York Reps. Jerrold Nadler and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

“They’re coming in, coming in like white on rice for Pelosi, Nadler, even you, AOC,” the man says in the video released by the committee. “We’re coming to take you out and pull you out by your hairs. … When I get done with you, you’re going to need a shine on top of that bald head.”

The panel did not say whether the man got into the Capitol or whether he has faced any charges. While more than 800 people have been charged for breaking into the building, or for violently beating police officers, thousands of other protesters were outside the building or on the National Mall and did not engage in violence. The breach temporarily halted the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory.

WATCH: ‘Trump asked us to come,’ rioters said during Jan. 6 attack

In a Wednesday letter to Loudermilk renewing the request for an interview, Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson, the committee’s chairman, said the panel “had hoped to show you the video evidence when you met with us” but was releasing it publicly because Loudermilk had so far declined. Thompson said the areas photographed and recorded by some on the tour are “not typically of interest to tourists, including hallways, staircases, and security checkpoints.”

Another member of the panel, Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, tweeted after the video was released: “Please take a look. These are not normal tour routes, the Capitol was closed to tours.”

The back-and-forth with Loudermilk has underscored the committee’s difficulty in getting any information from Republicans who were communicating with President Donald Trump, the White House or the rioters during the insurrection or beforehand as Trump strategized about how to overturn his election defeat. While the panel has conducted more than 1,000 interviews, five GOP lawmakers have defied subpoenas, including House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy, who spoke with Trump that day.

Loudermilk has not been subpoenaed, and there is no evidence that he knew that any of the participants on his tour were outside the Capitol the next day.

The Georgia Republican said in a statement after the video’s release that the panel is “is undermining the Capitol Police and doubling down on their smear campaign.” He said there is “nothing there” and noted that none of the locations they visited were breached on Jan. 6.

“As Capitol Police confirmed, nothing about this visit with constituents was suspicious,” Loudermilk said. In interview with reporters in the Capitol, he said he condemned the violent language against lawmakers but that “no one in that group showed that kind of aggression that day.”

Police reviewed the footage of Loudermilk’s tour as the committee requested his interview and after some Democrats said immediately after the attack that Republicans had led “reconnaissance tours” of the Capitol building beforehand. There has been no evidence that happened.

“This false narrative that the Committee and Democrats continue to push, that Republicans, including myself, led reconnaissance tours is verifiably false,” Loudermilk said in his statement.

WATCH: Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on the Jan. 6 hearings and a framework for gun legislation

In a letter sent Monday to Republicans on the House Administration Committee, of which Loudermilk is a member, Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said there were about 15 people on the tour and that Loudermilk was showing constituents around the Capitol complex, which was closed to visitors at the time because of coronavirus concerns. But they did not enter the Capitol itself. The group also walked around one of the buildings without the congressman, Manger said.

The surveillance video released by the committee shows the group at entrances to tunnels that lead to the Capitol but not entering the building. The Capitol complex includes 20 buildings and facilities, including House and Senate offices, and underground tunnels connect most of the buildings to the Capitol.

“There is no evidence that Representative Loudermilk entered the U.S. Capitol with this group on January 5, 2021,” Manger said in the letter. “We train our officers on being alert for people conducting surveillance or reconnaissance, and we do not consider any of the activities we observed as suspicious.”

Republicans on the House Administration Committee had previously said they reviewed security footage from Jan. 5 and said there were “no tours, no large groups, no one with MAGA hats on.”

But Thompson and Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the chairman and vice-chairwoman of the Jan. 6 panel, said last month that their review of the evidence “directly contradicts that denial.”

Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri and Michael Balsamo contributed to this report.

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Lessons the Jan. 6 committee could glean from the bipartisan 9/11 Commission

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How Do I Visit the Iowa State Capitol?

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The Iowa State Capitol and its golden dome have stood as a shining symbol of Iowa government and politics since its completion in 1886. The Capitol welcomed nearly 78,000 visitors from across the state, nation, and world last year. Formal and self-guided tours are available at no charge.  

The Iowa State Capitol is open Monday through Saturday for self guided tours or guided tours for groups of 10 or more.

Tours of the Capital

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (building locks at 4:45 p.m.)

Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you have ten or more people in your group you can call us, or complete a  Tour Request , for a guided tour. Smaller groups should call 515.281.5591. Tours can be scheduled Monday through Saturday.

Location - Address: 1007 East Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50319

Video and pictorial tours of the capitol and capitol grounds.

You can visit the Capital virtually by looking at our video and pictorial tours of the Capital and Capital grounds.

Related Agency - Iowa Legislature

Address:  State Capitol, 1007 E Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50319

Phone:  (515) 281-5129

Related Links

Iowa state capitol visitor guide, capitol tours and resources, capitol complex events, parking map, driving directions, iowa legislature.

U.S. Capitol to reopen for limited public tours after two years

Image: U.S. Capitol building

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Capitol will reopen to the public on Monday for guided tours for limited groups of people who have registered in advance, congressional officials said, two years after the coronavirus pandemic  prompted the cessation of such visits .

Officials said that the resumption would occur in phases, beginning on Monday for school groups and other groups of up to 15 people who would be led by lawmakers or their aides. Congressional offices would each be limited to leading one tour weekly.

The move, announced Wednesday, marked Congress’ latest relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions as Washington, D.C., and the world struggle to return to normalcy with the omicron variant wave waning in the U.S. Mask requirements inside the Capitol were relaxed weeks ago in a gradual easing that has been colored by politics, with Republicans pushing for more aggressive easing of restrictions than Democrats.

A health screening form for all visitors was being “recommended,” according to the statement by House Sergeant at Arms William J. Walker and Brian P. Monahan, the Capitol’s attending physician.

The Capitol Visitor Center, an adjacent underground complex that has exhibits and a restaurant, would tentatively reopen to limited numbers of visitors on May 30, officials said.

Walker and Monahan said the renewed tours would be monitored with an eye to revamping the new restrictions if needed. They also said they would be guided by how widespread Covid-19 is in the Washington area.

“We appreciate your continued patience and cooperation as we work together to resume public tours of the Capitol for the American people in a way that protects the health and safety of visitors and institutional staff alike,” they wrote.

The two officials said the decision to renew limited tours was made by congressional leaders, the Capitol’s medical and visitors services staff, the U.S. Capitol Police and the board that oversees that force.

In normal times, around 3 million people visit the Capitol every year.

The Associated Press

17 Best Moscow Tours

capitol tours today

Are you planning a visit to the capital of Russia and looking for the best Moscow tours? From Red Square to the Kremlin and from world-class art to fairytale buildings, Moscow is an enchanting city that offers plenty of excitement and elegance. Its history dates back more than 800 years, and there is culture in abundance for visitors to immerse themselves in.

Make the most of your visit with 17 of the best Moscow tours that let you see everything the city and its surroundings have to offer.

1 – Guided Tour of the Moscow Metro

Guided Tour of the Moscow Metro

Moscow’s metro is world-famous, thanks to the architectural delights on offer underground stations around the capital. This guided tour of the Moscow stations, otherwise known as “the palace of the people” lasts for 1.5 hours and includes an English-speaking guide who will tell you how the Russian metro became one of the most beautiful in the world. Highlights include Mayakovskaya station with its aviation-themed mosaics.

  • Moscow metro tours

2 – Cosmonautics Museum Space Tour

Cosmonautics Museum Space Tour

Discover Cosmonautics Museum with this space tour. Dive into one of the greatest battles between the Soviet Union and the United States – the space race. Hear about the space programs of the USSR and learn about how the USSR shaped space travel and technology.

  • Cosmonautics Museum tours

3 – Guided Tour of the Kremlin

Guided Tour of the Kremlin

A Kremlin is actually a citadel in Russian towns, and Moscow’s version is, without doubt, the most famous. The Kremlin is the heartbeat of the city, and this guided tour takes you to the most important points of interest. See Cathedral Square with its orthodox temples; Tzar Cannon with its 890mm calibre, which is the largest in the world; and the exterior of the all-important government buildings that are located within the Kremlin’s walls.

Click here to learn how to book Kremlin tickets .

  • Kremlin tours

4 – Moscow City Walking Tour

Moscow City Walking Tour

One of the best Moscow tours for seeing everything the city has to offer, this small-group walking tour lasts for 2 hours and includes an expert guide. Make the most of the capital and see the cobbled spaces of Red Square, take pictures of St Basil’s Cathedral, visit the elegant Bolshoi Theatre, and enjoy the ornamental Alexandrovsky Garden.

  • Moscow walking tours

5 – Night Tour of Moscow

Night Tour of Moscow

When the sun sets, the fun begins – and it all starts with a night tour of Russia’s most famous city. The beauty of Moscow comes into full effect after hours, as iconic buildings like St Basil’s Cathedral illuminate against the night sky. Other locations on this tour include the Moscow River and the Ukraine Hotel, which is a landmark skyscraper that was constructed during the era of Stalin.

6 – Sergiev Posad Day Trip

Sergiev Posad Day Trip

One of the best Moscow tours that take you outside of the city, the Sergiev Posad day trip provides the opportunity to see The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church. It’s made up of a number of different buildings that include the blue domes of the Cathedral of the Assumption, Church of St. Sergius and the Bell Tower.

  • Sergiev Posad day trips from Moscow

7 – City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

If your time in Moscow is limited, this hop-on, hop-off bus tour is ideal – and it even features an optional cruise on the river. Choose between a 2 and 3-day ticket and see famous landmarks like Red Square, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre from an open-top panoramic bus with informative audio commentary. Take your experience to the next level by upgrading to a boat tour.

  • Moscow hop on hop off bus tours

8 – Guided Tour of the Tretyakov Gallery

Guided Tour of the Tretyakov Gallery

As one of the world’s most important galleries, the Tretyakov Gallery is a must-see for any art lovers and is one of the best Moscow tours for culture vultures. Learn about the masterworks of Pablo Tretyakov with a guided tour and discover the secrets behind the paintings. Other noticeable artists on view include Fedotov, Vasnetsov, Rokotov and Kiprenski, who is the author of the famous “Portrait of Alexander Pushkin”.

  • Tretyakov Gallery tours

9 – Alternative Moscow: 2-Hour Walking Tour

Alternative Moscow: 2-Hour Walking Tour

See a different side of Moscow with this 2-hour alternative tour. An expert guide will take you around quirky streets, suburbs and squares while as your veer away from the traditional tourist hotspots. Highlights include a ride on the famous “Annushka” tram and a visit to the neighbourhood of Khitrovka, which was once known as the criminal district of the city.

10 – St.Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square: Private Tour and Ticket

St.Basil's Cathedral and Red Square: Private Tour and Ticket

Combine two of Moscow’s biggest attractions with a visit to Red Square and St.Basil’s Cathedral. Admire the beautiful architecture of St.Basil’s Cathedral from inside and out, before wandering Red Square and learn about the soldiers, farmers and revolutionaries that all called this famous square their home. Round things off with the changing of the guard at Alexander Garden.

  • Red Square tours

11 – Bunker-42 Cold War Museum Guided Tour

Bunker-42 Cold War Museum Guided Tour

Moscow is notorious for the Cold War, which lasted for about 45 years between 1945 and 1990. Head to the world-famous Bunker-42, located 65 meters below ground level, and learn about the storied past. Visit rooms and passages that were set up to shelter 3,000 people in case of nuclear attack and discover other sections, such as the equipment room and the war-proof telecommunications system.

  • Bunker-42 Cold War Museum tours

12 – Architecture Tour of Moscow’s Metro and Kolomenskoye Estate

Architecture Tour of Moscow's Metro and Kolomenskoye Estate

Combine the beauty of the metro stations with the Kolomenskoye Estate and see some of Moscow’s grandest sights. After visiting the elegant metro stations, it’s time to go to the Kolomenskoye Estate, which is filled with UNESCO-listed sites that are dedicated to Tsar Peter the Great.

  • Kolomenskoye tours

13 – Tour of Soviet Moscow

Tour of Soviet Moscow

Unpick the history of the USSR with one of the best Moscow tours for discovering Soviet Moscow. Starting at Monument to the Conquerors of Space, a tribute to the success of the Soviet space programme, the tour includes historical landmarks and interesting tidbits about Soviet Russia. There is also a visit to the All-Russia Exhibition Centre (VDNKh), a site that was constructed under the aegis of the USSR in tribute to state achievements.

14 – Moscow: 2.5-Hour Luxury River Cruise with Dining Option

Moscow: 2.5-Hour Luxury River Cruise with Dining Option

Sail down the Moscow River on this 2.5 hour tour that provides a different perspective of the city and includes landmark sights. The boat features two decks and has panoramic views as well as free Wi-Fi access. Attractions along the route include Ukraine hotel, Sparrow Hills, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Crimean Bridge, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Zaryadye Park and more.

  • Moscow boat tours

15 – Izmailovo Market and Vodka Museum Tour

Izmailovo Market and Vodka Museum Tour

Visit the museum of Vodka and gain insight into one of Russia’s most famous exports and head to the Izmailovo antique and handicraft market to find a gem or two. The tour starts with Izmailovo market, which features the iconic matryoshka dolls, fur hats and amber jewellery. Next up is a trip to the Museum of Vodka, where you will discover a distillery that dates back to the 15th century.

  • Izmailovo market tours

16 – Súzdal and Vladímir Day Tour

Súzdal and Vladímir Day Tour

Discover Russia’s famous “Golden Ring” on this tour of two medieval cities outside of Moscow. The historic city of Vladimir is first up with its Golden Gate, which is an ancient city-fortress that dates back to the 13th century. Next up is the neighbouring town of Suzdal, which features historic architecture and the Kremlin, where you can see its striking white walls topped with blue domes.

  • Suzdal & Vladimir tours from Moscow

17- Moscow Food Tasting & Walking Tour

Moscow Food Tasting & Walking Tour

Sample the unique flavours of Moscow with this food tour that lasts for 3 hours and features more than 15 different food and drink tastings. Weave in and out of small alleys in the city centre while enjoying the best food spots in town. See Moscow like a local while trying classic dishes from local breakfast haunts, bustling markets, the oldest monastery in Moscow, and dumpling cafes where you can taste authentic dumplings and enjoy local coffee.

  • Moscow food tours

A Guide to Moscow: Capital of Russia, City of Domes

The Kremlin Dominates the City Center

capitol tours today

Lars Ruecker/Getty Images

You say the word "Moscow" to Americans, and it conjures up the Kremlin, Red Square and images of intensely cold winters against the backdrop of colorful onion domes.

Moscow was Russia's capital before Peter the Great moved the capital to his new city, St. Petersburg , in 1712, and then again as the capital of the Soviet Union after the Russian Revolution -- the government was moved back to Moscow in 1918. 

Moscow never lost its intensity or spirit -- one that has inspired writers and poets, ensnared the nobility with its charms, and proved to be the center of Soviet mystique during the Cold War. Moscow represents both the Russia of yesterday and the Russia of today.

City Statistics

Moscow, as Russia's capital city, was home to more than 12 million residents as of 2015, according to the CIA World Factbook, and countless non-residents. While the population consists mainly of ethnic Russians, other groups are represented in relatively small numbers.

Moscow holds a top spot in the world's most expensive cities. The Russian capital is an international business center, and after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, international corporations have set up branches in Moscow . Industries like hospitality have risen to meet the need, ensuring that Moscow continues to grow.

Moscow is the seat of Russia's government, and the Kremlin , at turns an opulent and forbidding house of government, sits in the heart of the city. Just as the czars once ruled over Russia, so now does the Russian president. Visitors to Moscow today can see architecture that dates from 1533 to 1584, the reign of the first czar of Russia, Ivan the Terrible. One such building is the iconic  St. Basil's Cathedral , which is on Red Square and near the Kremlin in central Moscow. Through exploring these historic buildings you can gain insight into how Russia's way of life has long differed from that of the West.

Home to Russia's Greatest Writers

Russia's greatest writers were familiar with Moscow, and many lived in the capital city at some point during their lives. Some were born there, others died there, but they all left important traces of their lives for literary visitors to discover. Moscow is home to many Russian museums about its writers that seek to stop time for their greatest fans.

Center of Art and Art History

While St. Petersburg might arguably rival Moscow with its collection of art at the Hermitage, Moscow is home to the culturally significant Tretyakov Gallery . The Tretyakov Gallery is the world's most important museum of Russian art. Famous Russian masters -- Repin and Vrubel, among others -- have special places in Moscow's Tretyakov Gallery.

The Armory Museum holds a collection of jewels, crowns, thrones and carriages from royal Russia The Armory's State Diamond Fund preserves these important symbols of Russia as a czardom and empire.

Moscow is famous for its harsh winters that sometimes last until April. Summers are hot but not unbearable. Fall begins early, so the best times to travel to Moscow are from May until September. However, Maslenitsa takes place during February or March, so sometimes it's well worth it to brave the Moscow cold. If you're traveling there for Maslenitsa, check out these other  Moscow winter activities .

Getting Around

Moscow's metro system is fast and efficient. While its unforgiving crowds and system of stops might take some getting used to, it's possible to travel all over the city inexpensively and easily using the metro. A bonus: Moscow's metro stations are attractions in themselves. Opulently decorated in fine materials by master craftsmen, the Moscow metro stations are a unique and impressive aspect to Russia's transit system.

Staying in Moscow

Russia's capital city is expensive, and the closer to the center you stay, the more pricey your accommodations will be. For travelers on a budget, it's prudent to stay on the outside of the city and take the metro into the city center.

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Fed Chair Powell testifying to House on Wednesday. What investors are expecting

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  • Fed Chair Jerome Powell heads to Capitol Hill on Wednesday with markets intent on getting more clarity about how the central bank plans on proceeding with monetary policy this year.
  • Central to the question of how the Fed acts from here on out is its view on inflation and how Powell expresses that.
  • Powell's testimony before Congress comes at a ticklish time for markets: After breaching historic highs, major stock averages have sold off this week.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell heads to Capitol Hill on Wednesday with markets intent on getting more clarity about how the central bank plans on proceeding with monetary policy this year.

The past several months have seen a changing dynamic between financial markets and the Fed over the pace and timing of expected interest rate cuts this year. Markets have had to adjust their collective view from a highly accommodative central bank to one that's more cautious and deliberate.

With his congressionally mandated testimony coming before the House on Wednesday and the Senate on Thursday, Powell will be tasked with providing a sharper view — and not rocking the boat for a nervous Wall Street.

"The question now for the market is to glean any information on when the Fed will begin employing rate cuts and how many," said Quincy Krosby, chief global strategist at LPL Financial. "He's not going to answer that necessarily. But if there is any change, any nuance, that is what the market wants to see."

Central to the question of how the Fed acts from here on out is its view on inflation and how Powell expresses that. In recent weeks, he and others have expressed satisfaction with the trend in prices along with apprehension that risks still lurk , saying it's too early to ease up on monetary policy.

Markets currently anticipate the Fed will begin cutting in June and enact the equivalent of four quarter-percentage-point cuts in total this year, according to futures market pricing gauged by the CME Group. Policymakers in December indicated three cuts and mostly have avoided providing a timetable.

Mixed signals complicate the message

On the inflation issue, the data had been cooperating for the most part.

Inflation readings in the latter part of 2023 showed a clear trend toward the Fed's 2% target. However, January brought a jolt, showing that consumer prices, particularly in shelter costs, remained stubbornly higher and posed a threat to the trend.

Powell will have to synthesize the recent trends carefully as he speaks first to the House Financial Services Committee on Wednesday, then the Senate Banking Committee the day after.

"The message very much is not going to be 'mission accomplished,' but 'we've made a lot of progress, we anticipate rate cuts are coming,'" said Joseph LaVorgna, chief economist at SMBC Nikko Securities. "That to me is what I think will be the central message."

Powell's testimony before Congress comes at a ticklish time for markets: After breaching historic highs, major stock averages have sold off this week amid ongoing concern about where rates are headed and a suddenly uncertain outlook for a few of the Big Tech names that have been driving prices higher.

Both conditions are concerning for policymakers. Big jumps in risk asset prices could reflect loose financial conditions that might cause the Fed to hold tight on policy, while a less certain environment could raise fears about staying too high for too long on rates.

Powell "cannot deviate at all from the 'data-dependent, but we really want to cut rates' approach the Committee has committed to," wrote Steven Ricchiuto, U.S. chief economist at Mizuho Securities. "Sharp swings in financial conditions can easily work at cross-purposes to the Committee's objective: maintaining tight labor market conditions while also keeping inflation expectations and long-term rates well anchored," he said, referring to the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee.

Political concerns

There are also other dynamics facing Powell. Several economists, including LaVorgna, see labor conditions weakening despite the apparent strength of a 3.7% unemployment rate. Also, a stunning runup in cryptocurrency prices recently suggests untethered risk-taking that could indicate too much liquidity washing around the system.

Indeed, Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic on Monday released an essay in which he expressed concern about potential "pent-up exuberance" that could be unleashed after rate cuts start.

"We don't think monetary policy itself is loose, but the Fed and Powell have to wonder about this nonetheless, in view of these extant 'remnants' of speculation," strategists at Macquarie said in a client note Tuesday. "The point is that small speculative frenzies that come out of nowhere should make it even more difficult for the Fed to sound dovish at this juncture."

Finally, there are political considerations.

Along with the usual pressure that comes during presidential election years, there have been calls on the Hill for Powell and his cohorts to start cutting rates. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., no fan of Powell to start with, called in January for the Fed to start cutting as higher rates are especially painful for lower-income households.

They'll get a chance to hash out the issue Thursday as Warren is a member of the Senate banking panel.

Powell needs to make "a case for why the Fed needs to address rates in anticipation of where inflation is likely to be not where it is at the moment," LaVorgna said. "You're going to be damned if you do, damned if you don't. So, I think you need a very solid framework." Don't miss these stories from CNBC PRO:

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A Historical Tour: Six Russian Capitals

  • July 24, 2023

If you are a history buff, here is a special recommendation for your tour to Eastern Europe. While we know that Moscow is the capital of Russia, there are five other unique and amazing cities that once served as the centers of the growing nation. Their contemporary relevance is immense, not only as economic, cultural, and artistic hubs but also as stunning travel destinations. Let’s take a look at six beautiful Russian capitals.

Staraya Ladoga

Staraya Ladoga was the capital of ancient Rus from 862 to 864. According to chronicles, Varangian (Scandinavian) leader Ryurik came to Ladoga in 862 and became the first known ruler of Rus. Possibly the greatest attractions in this lovely town are the Staraya Ladoga Fortress that dates back to 1116 and its wooden chapel. The fortress is home to an excellent exhibition that tells Ladoga’s history through maps and archeological excavations, as well as the famous, 12th-century St George’s Cathedral , one of Russia’s oldest churches, containing frescoes painted in 1167. Among many other attractions in the town, you can also see the Uspensky Monastery and the Nikolsky Monastery .

Veliky Novgorod

The legendary leader Ryurik moved the Rus’s capital to Novgorod the Great, and it remained the center of the country until 882. Today, it’s one of Russia’s oldest and most important historic cities, the administrative center of Novgorod Oblast, and a World Heritage Site, famous for its medieval monuments. You can visit the 11th-century St. Sophia Cathedral with its 12th- century frescoes, the large 12th-century St. Nicholas Cathedral in the Yuriev Monastery , and the 12th-century cathedral in the Antoniev Monastery . In the Novgorod Kremlin , you’ll find the oldest palace in Russia, the Palace of Facets, built in 1433, as well as the oldest Russian bell tower and Russian clock tower. Afterward, visit the remarkable Millennium of Russia . Close to the Yuriev Monastery, you’ll find a wonderful museum of wooden architecture.

Today, Kiev is the capital of Ukraine. Back in 882, it was most likely Ryurik’s successor, Oleg, who moved the capital of Rus to Kiev, expanding the ancient state and uniting its two most powerful centers. Like Ladoga and Novgorod, Kiev was situated along the ancient Varangian trade route that stretched to the Constantinople. The city is home to many high-tech industries, higher education institutions, galleries, museums, such as the Museum of The History of Ukraine in World War II , and numerous famous historical landmarks, including the 19th-century Kiev fortress , once a part of the Western Russian fortresses . Kiev is also well-known as a green city with two botanical gardens and a myriad of parks.

Located on the Klyazma River , Vladimir served as the country’s capital in the 12th and 13th centuries. Prince Yuri Dolgorukiy ruled in Kiev for only a few years in the mid-12th century, but his son, Andrei Bogolubsky, seized the city, pillaged it, and left to Vladimir. Being a part of the Golden Ring , Vladimir is very popular with tourists. Its White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal have been designated as a World Heritage Site. You’ll see here, among other magnificent edifices, the five-domed, 12th-century Assumption Cathedral , the 12th-century Cathedral of Saint Demetrius , and the famous Golden Gate , built in the 12th and reconstructed in the late 18th century. You’ll find other outstanding monuments of pre-Mongol Russian architecture all around the city.

St. Petersburg

After Vladimir, it was actually Moscow that became the capital in the mid-16th century. In 1712, Peter I relocated the capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg, nine years before the Russian Empire was founded, and it remained the capital until the Empire collapsed in 1917. Today, Saint Petersburg is home to a momentous historical and cultural heritage. It is one of Russia’s most modern cities and its cultural capital with a myriad of theaters, museums, libraries, concerts, festivals, etc. The Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments , with thirty-six historical architectural complexes and around 4000 remarkable individual monuments, have been designated as a World Heritage Site. The city’s 18th and 19th-century architecture is so well preserved that St. Petersburg can be viewed as a fantastic museum of European architectural styles spanning three centuries.

When Yuri Dolgorukiy established Moscow, it was a small town in the Suzdal-Vladimir principality. It became the country’s center when Dmitry of the Don made the Grand Duke title a hereditary possession of Moscow’s princes in 1380. When Ivan the Terrible declared himself a tsar in the mid-16th century, Moscow became the capital of the Tsardom of Russia. Following the February Revolution of 1917, the Bolsheviks moved the capital back to Moscow from St. Petersburg in 1918. Today, Moscow is a major political, economic, cultural, and scientific center of Eastern Europe. Some of the most famous attractions include the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Kremlin and Red Square , as well as the Church of the Ascension , but also numerous parks, such as Gorky Park , Neskuchny Garden , Izmaylovsky Park , Sokolniki Park , Losiny Ostrov National Park , Botanical Garden of Academy of Sciences , etc.

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Watching Congress in Session

The Visitor Galleries are open when the House of Representatives and the Senate are in session.

The galleries are not included on the U.S. Capitol tour. Separate passes are required.

How To Get Gallery Passes

U.S. Citizens

  • House of Representatives Gallery Passes can be requested from the office of your representative.
  • Senate Gallery Passes can be requested from one of your senators’ offices.
  • Residents of U.S. territories can obtain gallery passes to both chambers from the office of your delegate or resident commissioner.

International Visitors

  • International visitors with a valid international ID should request Gallery Passes from the House and Senate Appointment Desks in the Capitol Visitor Center.

The passes are not transferable, but they can be reused.

The galleries are not open to the public during Joint Sessions or Joint Meetings.

Please read the instructions on the back of each pass.

House of Representatives : The House Gallery is open any time the House of Representatives is in session.

When the House is out of session, the galleries open at 9:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. The last entry will be no later than 4:00 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to arrive before 4:00 p.m.

The House Gallery is closed on weekends and federal holidays (unless in session) and is subject to unplanned, temporary closures.

Senate : The Senate Gallery opens 30 minutes prior to the Senate’s convening.

During recesses of one week or more, the Senate Gallery opens at 8:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. The Gallery closes at 4:00 p.m., visitors will be admitted until closing.

The Senate Gallery is closed on weekends and federal holidays (unless in session).

Where to Enter

Enter the House and Senate Galleries from the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center.

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COMMENTS

  1. Book a Tour

    The Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tours begin every 10 minutes until 3:20 p.m. All tours are led by our professional tour guides and visit the Crypt, the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall. The tour does not include the Senate and House Galleries.

  2. Visit the U.S. Capitol

    Tours of the Capitol . The Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended for a tour. Visit the schedule a tour page to select a day/time.. All tours are led by our professional tour guides and visit the Crypt, the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall.The tour does not include the Senate and House Galleries.

  3. Home

    Upcoming Events at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. See all events on the Calendar. event. Feb 27 2024 | 11am - 12pm.

  4. How to Tour the U.S. Capitol & See Congress in Session

    We recommend reserving a reserving a tour date and time. All tours begin and end at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Inauguration Day). Tours typically take about 90 minutes and are fully accessible for people with disabilities.

  5. Plan a Visit

    Reserve a Tour of the Capitol. My Reservations; My Profile; Change Password; Logout; Login. Available Limited Availability Not Available. Calender Mar 11th, 2024 To Mar 16th, 2024. Date / TIME Mon 11 Mar Tue 12 Mar Wed 13 Mar Thu 14 Mar Fri 15 Mar Sat 16 Mar ; AM. Date / TIME Mon 11 Mar Tue 12 Mar Wed 13 Mar Thu 14 Mar Fri 15 Mar Sat 16 Mar ...

  6. How to Visit the US Capitol Tour in Washington DC

    Today, the Capitol building remains an iconic symbol of American government, and continues to be the home of the United States Congress. Booking A US Capitol Tour How to sign up for a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building. Tours of the building can be booked through the official U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, or through your local congressperson or ...

  7. Book a Tour

    The guided tours originate in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, and begin with an orientation film that discusses the Founding Fathers' efforts to establish our representative democracy, as well as illustrates the construction of the historic U.S. Capitol. On the tour, visitors will see the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall. ...

  8. Capitol tours resume after 2 years Covid hiatus

    By The Associated Press. WASHINGTON — The U.S. Capitol will reopen to the public on Monday for guided tours for limited groups of people who have registered in advance, congressional officials ...

  9. Building Access & Hours

    The U.S. Capitol is open to the public for tours Monday - Saturday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Inauguration Day. The Capitol Visitor Center is open from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tours are available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors with official business appointments may ...

  10. U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

    U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Washington D. C. 145,690 likes · 400 talking about this · 1,709,282 were here. Beginning Monday, May 30, tours are available Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm. Reserve a tour today.

  11. Hours & Info

    The Capitol Visitor Center is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First Street and East Capitol Street. Getting to the Capitol » Hours - The Capitol Visitor Center is open to visitors with tour reservations from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and ...

  12. US Capitol reopens to public tours for first time in 2 years

    Celebrate Lunar New Year with these two aromatic recipes. In March 2020, the pandemic ended public tours in the U.S. Capitol. The riot on Jan. 6, 2021, forced it to stay closed even longer. Now ...

  13. WATCH: Jan. 6 panel releases video of Rep. Loudermilk leading a Capitol

    The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection released video on Wednesday of a Capitol tour led by a Republican lawmaker the day before the attack, showing at least one ...

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    The Visitors Center. Located in the restored 1856-57 General Land Office building. The three-story castle-like structure is the oldest state office building in Texas. Hours & Contact Parking. Maps & Plans Brochures. Where to Shop Where to Eat. Field Trips Texas Travel Center. Texas Capitol Visitors Center. Watch on.

  15. Visit the Iowa State Capitol

    The Capitol welcomed nearly 78,000 visitors from across the state, nation, and world last year. Formal and self-guided tours are available at no charge. The Iowa State Capitol is open Monday through Saturday for self guided tours or guided tours for groups of 10 or more.

  16. U.S. Capitol to reopen for limited public tours after two years

    March 23, 2022, 11:33 AM PDT. By The Associated Press. WASHINGTON — The U.S. Capitol will reopen to the public on Monday for guided tours for limited groups of people who have registered in ...

  17. 17 Best Moscow Tours 2024

    8 - Guided Tour of the Tretyakov Gallery. As one of the world's most important galleries, the Tretyakov Gallery is a must-see for any art lovers and is one of the best Moscow tours for culture vultures. Learn about the masterworks of Pablo Tretyakov with a guided tour and discover the secrets behind the paintings.

  18. Event Calendar

    Join one of our knowledgeable guides for a live, virtual tour of the Crypt, Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, the Old Supreme Court Chamber, and the Old Senate Chamber. ... The Capitol Visitor Center is open for tours Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Virtual tours offered by request. Time Title Location Actions; 11:00 AM

  19. Moscow: Capital of Russia, City of Domes

    History . Moscow is the seat of Russia's government, and the Kremlin, at turns an opulent and forbidding house of government, sits in the heart of the city.Just as the czars once ruled over Russia, so now does the Russian president. Visitors to Moscow today can see architecture that dates from 1533 to 1584, the reign of the first czar of Russia, Ivan the Terrible.

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  22. PDF United States Capitol

    Tours of the Capitol are free and are offered throughout the day between 8:40 a.m. - 3:20 p.m., Monday - Saturday. Tour passes are required. Advance Passes: Tours may ... The grounds today reflect a plan completed in 1892 by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. As you stroll the grounds,

  23. A Historical Tour: Six Russian Capitals

    After Vladimir, it was actually Moscow that became the capital in the mid-16th century. In 1712, Peter I relocated the capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg, nine years before the Russian Empire was founded, and it remained the capital until the Empire collapsed in 1917. Today, Saint Petersburg is home to a momentous historical and cultural ...

  24. Watching Congress in Session

    Senate: The Senate Gallery opens 30 minutes prior to the Senate's convening. During recesses of one week or more, the Senate Gallery opens at 8:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. The Gallery closes at 4:00 p.m., visitors will be admitted until closing. The Senate Gallery is closed on weekends and federal holidays (unless in session).