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The Reverend Billy Graham to Lie in Honor in U.S. Capitol Rotunda

February 26, 2018

Information on Public Viewing Hours, Road Closures, and Other Restrictions

The late Reverend Billy Graham will lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda beginning on Wednesday, February 28, 2018. Members of the public and Capitol Hill community are invited to pay their respects at the U.S. Capitol.

Following a private arrival ceremony to include The Reverend Graham's family and Members of Congress, the U.S. Capitol Rotunda will open to the public from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Wednesday, February 28. All visitors will enter through the Capitol Visitor Center.

The following is specific information for the Capitol Complex regarding street closures, parking restrictions, restricted access to the U.S. Capitol, and other details regarding the event.

EVENT HOURS AND PROTOCOLS

The U.S. Capitol Building will be restricted to only those with Congressional credentials beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, to include Members of Congress and spouses, invited dignitaries, USCP credentialed guests, and credentialed media. The North and South Doors will be unavailable to official business visitors until after 1 p.m.

Members of the public wishing to pay their respects should be prepared for any forecasted weather conditions as lines will be queuing outside.

The viewing public, including those with special needs, may begin lining up on the morning of Wednesday, February 28, on First Street, NW/SW, between Constitution and Independence Avenues, or Second Street, NE/SE, between East Capitol Street and Independence Avenue, SE, until the U.S. Capitol is opened to the public at 1 p.m.

In order to be respectful while participating in the viewing, protocol requires that cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off while in the U.S. Capitol. Photography and electronic recording will not be allowed while visitors are in the Rotunda.

Visitors are asked to be patient during this event, and everyone's cooperation is greatly appreciated to ensure the event is both respectful and secure.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) recommends that those planning to attend this event bring as few items as possible in order to expedite the security screening process. In addition to any other items at the discretion of security screeners,the following items are prohibited in the U.S. Capitol and on its Grounds.

  • All firearms, dangerous weapons, explosives, or incendiary devices
  • Firearms to include replica guns and ammunition
  • Weapons (to include but not limited to): Black jack, sling shot, sand club, sandbag, knuckles, electric stun guns, knives (of any size), martial arts weapons or devices
  • Pointed objects to include but not limited to razors, box cutters, knives, knitting needles, letter openers. Pens and pencils are permitted.
  • Explosives and explosive devices to include Molotov Cocktails, components of a destructive device, and fireworks
  • Bags exceeding the size of 18" wide x 14" high x 8.5" deep
  • Mace and pepper spray
  • Liquid, including water; open and empty clear or translucent bottles and beverage containers are allowed.
  • Aerosol containers
  • Non-Aerosol spray except for prescribed medical needs
  • Sealed envelopes and packages

STREET CLOSURES

The USCP will put the following street closures into effect on Tuesday, February 27 beginning at 11 p.m. to approximately 11 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28. There may be additional street closures around the U.S. Capitol as it becomes necessary; other law enforcement agencies may close streets outside of Capitol Grounds as warranted. Access to the perimeter will be restricted to those bearing proper U.S. Capitol Police authorization and credentials.

  • East Capitol Street NE/SE, from Second Street, NE/SE, to First Street, NE/SE
  • First Street, NE/SE, from Constitution Ave., NE, to Independence Ave., SE

The use of public transportation is encouraged as there is no public parking on Capitol Grounds. Please visit www.wmata.com to plan your trip to the U.S. Capitol. The closest metro stops are Capitol South, Federal Center SW, and Union Station.

CAPITOL TOURS

Beginning on Tuesday, February 27, public and staff-led tours will be restricted from the second floor (Rotunda) of the U.S. Capitol. The Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) will remain open to the public on February 27. The House and Senate Galleries also will remain open until 5 p.m. or until those Chambers recess, whichever is later. Visitors with gallery passes may continue to enter at the CVC's main entrance on February 27.

The U.S. Capitol and CVC will be closed to all tours on Wednesday, February 28, until 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2018.

TOUR BUSES

Tour buses will be allowed to drop off and pick up passengers at Peace Circle and Garfield Circle.

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