Do you schedule appointments with Members of Congress?
Yes, we schedule well over 2,000 of these meetings per year. Typically, we try to schedule 3 meetings for you, 2 with the Senators representing your state and 1 with the House Member from your Congressional district. Despite the fluidity of Members’ schedules, we’re almost always able to schedule at least 1 or 2 of these meetings. To help us coordinate these, we ask that you not contact the offices directly regarding these meetings without contacting us first. In addition, we encourage you to stop by the various offices, sign the guest books and pick up any available materials and gallery passes.
Will I meet with a Member or with Staff?
Often, you’ll meet directly with a Member. Other times, you’ll meet with staff. Why? Sometimes Congress is in recess and Members are at home (see calendars at www.house.gov and www.senate.gov). Other times, schedule changes require Members to attend hearings or deal with other pressing matters of national concern. Many staffers are adept at speaking on a Member’s behalf and in talking in depth about specific issues. They also can provide insight into the inner workings of Congress. They tend to be younger, relate well to students and can offer advice on internships and other opportunities.
Must teachers attend Capitol Hill meetings with their students?
Yes, we strongly encourage this. Interacting with a Member’s office is a vital part of our program. After all, this is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn. Students work hard to prepare for these meetings and Congressional offices juggle their schedules to make time for them.
How do you determine which House Office to contact for a meeting?
We use the physical address of your school to determine which office to contact. That covers situations where teachers or students live in different Congressional districts. If you have any questions, please call 800-CLOSE UP, ext. 695 or email us.
Can I find out my meeting times before we arrive in DC?
Yes. One week before your trip, a tentative list of scheduled meetings will be available online. However, due to the fluid nature of Congressional scheduling, many meetings will not have been scheduled yet and some meeting times may have to be changed. Often, Congressional schedulers await word on events not under their control, such as committee hearings. We will not finalize your meetings until the day before your Hill Day. Refer to the Hill Schedule sent to your hotel for your final meeting times.
Will the Supreme Court be in session on Hill Day?
Check the Court’s docket for scheduled oral arguments. If the Court is in session, a summary of the cases will be included in your Hill Schedule.
Are there security restrictions at the Capitol Building?
Yes. Security is extensive; the less you carry, the easier it will be to get through the checkpoints.
What should we wear on Hill Day?
Business or business casual is the most appropriate dress for the Hill - and don't forget your Close Up nametags.
Can I arrange a tour of the Capitol Building?
Yes. However, before doing so, please contact us at 800-CLOSE UP, ext. 695 or email us to coordinate tour times with the Congressional meetings that we are scheduling for your school. Capitol tours are given by Congressional staff that you arrange through your Congressional office or by making reservation through the U.S. Capitol Visitors Service.
Can I arrange a visit of the White House?
Yes. Contact your Congressional Office ASAP; at least three months lead-time is often necessary. Please schedule White Houses visit for Thursday during independent study time. You will be required to provide Social Security numbers of all participants when booking a White House visit.