Columns

Thursday, July 10, 2008

common sense on visiting our nation's capital

Washington D.C. is a great place to visit on business, a school trip or just a family vacation. If you’re considering a trip to our nation’s capital, please reach out to my staff and me so we can help you make the most of your trip.

Q: How can I get a tour of the Capitol?

A: My office offers congressional tours Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. It’s best to call at least two weeks before your trip to reserve a place.

Q: How can I get a tour of the White House?

A: Tours are offered at the White House Tuesday through Saturday with reservations. A limited number of tickets are available for these tours, so I recommend that you call my office five to six months in advance of your trips so that we can reserve you a place on the tour.

Q: What are the best things to see?

A: Some of my favorite places to visit in Washington are the National Archives that contain the permanent exhibit of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence; the Spy Museum which is great for kids of all ages, the Air and Space Museum which houses the original Wright brothers plane; and the powerful and moving Holocaust Museum which serves as America’s memorial and institute dedicated to the millions of people who suffered during the Holocaust.

If you are in town on a Wednesday morning you should plan to attend my weekly constituent breakfast. Every Wednesday while the Senate is in session, I hold an informal breakfast at 8:30 a.m. so I can personally meet with Iowans. If you are interested in joining me, please contact my Washington D.C. office so we can be sure to have plenty of rolls, coffee and juice to go around.

Wherever your trip to Washington D.C. takes you, you should take some time to stop by my office in the Hart Senate Office Building, Room 731. There is always fresh America’s Best Jolly Time popcorn from Sioux City for anyone who visits.

If you are interested in any of the activities above please contact one of my Offices:

Washington D.C.
202/224-3254

Davenport
563/322-1338

Des Moines
515/284-4574

Dubuque
563/582-2130

Cedar Rapids
319/365-4504

Sioux City
712/252-1550