Please consider including a visit to Capitol Hill on your trip to Washington. Take a few moments to stop by Senator Tester's office, Suite 204 of the Russell Senate Office Building, located just a few blocks from Union Station.

Senator Tester and his staff are happy to offer Montana constituents passes to the Senate gallery. The gallery is open whenever the Senate is in session and passes are always required.

PLEASE NOTE: Children under the age of six are not permitted in the galleries. All electronics including, but not limited to, cameras, video recorders, key chains with electronic functions, cell phones, Blackberry devices, as well as strollers, must be checked before entrance to the Gallery.

Senator Tester's office is happy to schedule staff-led tours of the United States Capitol for families and groups from Montana. These tours are conducted Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m. Complete the online Tour Request Form and we will get back to you as soon as possible to confirm whether a tour is available during your stay. Staff-led tours are not available on weekends or federal holidays.

Public tours of the United States Capitol are available Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The building is not open on Sundays, but is open on national holidays. Groups leave each half hour from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Free, timed-tickets are distributed each day at 8:15 a.m. These tickets are good only for that day and often run out within a few hours, so it is important to get to the booth early. Tours begin next to the Garfield traffic circle on the southwest corner of the Capitol complex near the corner of Independence Avenue and First Street, SW, across First Street from the Botanic Gardens. Look for the Visitors Screening Facility kiosk; the guide service members wear red shirts with the Capitol logo on the pocket. More information is available on the Capitol Tour Line at (202) 225-6827.

*Please note that visitors to the Capitol are not permitted to bring any of the following items: aerosol sprays, liquids of any kind (including water bottles), unsealed food, oversized suitcases or backpacks, knives of any kind, razors, mace, pepper spray, matches, or lighters. However, Capitol police are authorized to make exceptions if the prohibited item is deemed to be necessary and required to serve child care, medical, or other special needs.

Senator Tester's office is located in Suite 204 of the Russell Senate Office Building. The most convenient entrance is located at the intersection of Constitution Avenue, NE and First Street, NE.

Click here for a map of the Capitol Complex.

Public transportation can save both time and money in Washington. Metro schedules and fares may be found at http://www.wmata.com/. You can also get more information by calling the Metro customer information hotline at (202) 635-6434.

To reach Senator Tester's office from the Union Station Metro (Red Line), exit Union Station and walk across the plaza (Columbus Circle) toward the ring of state flags. Cross the street encircling the plaza and continue south on Delaware Avenue, NE. (You will be heading toward the Capitol.) Continue on Delaware Avenue and cross over C Street. The Russell Senate Office Building will be on your right.

From the Capitol South Metro (Blue and Orange Lines), follow First Street approximately 3 blocks (you will pass the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court on your right) until you cross Constitution Avenue, NE. Turn left and the Russell Senate Office Building will be on your right.