Norton Says Phased Reopening of Capitol is Too Slow

Statement

Noting the success of vaccinations in reducing the risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19 and the security improvements at the U.S. Capitol, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said that while she appreciated today's announcement that the Capitol will reopen to a limited number of tours, the phased reopening plan for the Capitol is unnecessarily slow. Visitors to the Capitol are an important part of the District of Columbia's economy.

"I appreciate today's announcement that the Capitol will reopen to a limited number of tours," Norton said. "Capitol tours are particularly useful as educational tools, and prior to the pandemic, schools in D.C. and throughout the country wisely took advantage of them often. However, since the Capitol was first closed to the public because of the pandemic, vaccines have proven effective at preventing severe symptoms, hospitalization and death. America's symbols of democracy should be accessible to the people we serve. Already, the distance between government and the people has grown, with trust in government at historic lows. We should not entrench that distance further or longer by delaying the reopening of the Capitol, especially when the tools exist to prevent serious illness and death from COVID-19."

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