Office of the Sergeant at Arms
VISITOR'S GALLERY RULES

1. Reading and Writing are Prohibited in the Gallery

Space in the Gallery is limited, and visitors are often waiting for seats. For these reasons, and for purposes of general decorum, the reading of newspapers and other literature for an extended period of time in the galleries is prohibited. Similarly, with the exception of the press galleries, writing is also prohibited. The official record of the debates is published the next day in the Congressional Record.

2. Photos in the House

For security purposes, all cameras must be checked before entering the House chamber. Flash photographs and noise of cameras are distracting to House business. However, once during each Congress, Representatives sit for an official photograph in the chamber. The Press and official photographers are allowed to take photographs during Joint Sessions and other special ceremonies held in the House chamber.

3. Checking Items

For security purposes, calculators, umbrellas, brief cases, backpacks, radios, electronic equipment, food, flowers, flags and any bags other than ladies' purses, must be checked before entering the galleries. All visitors will also pass through a security screening device. These precautions ensure the protection of Representatives and the public while keeping the U.S. Capitol and its legislative chambers as open and accessible as possible to all visitors.

4. Admission Lines

Seating in the public gallery is limited. If a constituent has a pass issued from a Members office, they may sit in the gallery for as long as they like. Groups are limited in the amount of time that you may spend in the gallery. This is done to accommodate as many groups as possible. The House galleries were not designed to accommodate the large crowds that visit the Capitol, particularly during the summer months. To ensure the safety of Representatives and others in the Chamber, visitors to the House galleries must first pass through security. This process may cause further delays.

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