Was there a time when the general public could lawfully enter important government buildings like the White House or the US Capitol Building in order to watch proceedings or talk to members and staff? If so, when were they closed off?

by crsuperman34

I recently viewed the historical biopic Lincoln (2012) and noticed the general public forming a line to talk to the President in the White House. I'm not sure how accurate that was, but it seemed very easy to gain access with little security.

DBHT14

Point of order here as to the underlying assumption of the question.

While the White House has become more closed off it is not the case with the Capitol.

The general public is free to come and watch the proceedings of both chambers, and attend just about every committee hearing that isnt on classified matters. Hell for the big hearings a space in line is so sought after that a whole gig economy of spot holders has evolved, or just send the poor intern to camp out.

Now for the full bodies in session you cant truly JUST walk in to say watch the House in session, but access to the Gallery only requires a guest pass. They are given out by members to their constituents and are not difficult to be given. Most even have a portion on their websites to request them.

But that of course is for their actual meetings. What about just walking into their office and trying to meet with say your Representative?

Well there is literally nothing stopping any member of the public from entering any of the House and Senate Office buildings that make up the Capitol complex. Enter the door, a quick pass through the X-ray and metal detector just like going into a stadium or any of the Smithsonians, and you are free to wander. And can enter any of the offices that are where each member's staff are. Now there is no guarantee you get past the Intern or Staff Assistant manning their front desk, but you can certainly try.