Rep. Burchett unveils virtual Capitol tour for constituents, educators and students

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 15, 2020) – The U.S. Capitol may be closed to visitors, but U.S. Representative Tim Burchett (TN-02) wants to make sure 2^nd District residents are still able to learn about the historic building and grounds, whether in-person or virtually over the internet. Today, Rep. Burchett launched a Virtual Capitol Tour Experience, a guided video tour of the United States Capitol Building that will be available on his official website and social media accounts. He also announced a newly developed, staff-led tour of the exterior of the Capitol and grounds for constituents visiting Washington, D.C.

"My office prides itself on quality constituent services, including hosting visitors for guided tours of our nation's Capitol Building," said Rep. Burchett. "With the Capitol closed to in-person tours for the time being, we needed to find ways to continue providing this important service. East Tennesseans can now experience the interior Capitol Building remotely until in-person tours resume, or they can take an in-person guided walking tour around the exterior of the Capitol with a member of my staff."

The Virtual Capitol Tour Experience includes all the stops constituents see when they visit the Capitol for a tour. Viewers will see and learn about the history of:

• Capitol Visitors Center
• Cornerstone of the Capitol Building
• Old Supreme Court Chamber
• Capitol Crypt
• Capitol Rotunda and its artwork
• National Statuary Hall and Tennessee's two tribute statues
• Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives

While the Capitol Building is closed due to COVID-19, Rep. Burchett's office is also offering external tours of the Capitol Hill Complex. This tour highlights the history and construction of locations on the Capitol Grounds, as well as these locations unique architectural elements. It covers the:

• External Capitol Building and Capitol Visitors Center
• Capitol Reflecting Pool
• Ulysses S. Grant Monument
• Summerhouse
• Peace Monument
• James A. Garfield Monument
• Supreme Court Building
• Library of Congress Buildings
• House Office Buildings

Constituents can schedule external tours by calling 202-225-5435 or by filling out the tour request form. The Virtual Capitol Tour Experience is available online here.

"The Capitol Building is a monument to America's past and offers an inside look of the federal government. After my office begins hosting in-person tours again, I hope East Tennesseans continue to use the Virtual Capitol Tour Experience for tourism and education purposes," said Rep. Burchett.