While one lobbyist says he bypassed long lines at the Capitol this morning, the U.S. Capitol Police want people to know “there are multiple layers of security security” in place despite the government shutdown.
Politico reported that massive lines produced a crush of foot traffic Wednesday.
Massive lines formed Tuesday outside the House and Senate office buildings because the shutdown forced the Capitol complex to reduce the number of open entrances. Even after the morning rush of staffers arriving for work was over, it was common to see lines of nearly 100 people waiting to get into the congressional office buildings.”
Politico also quotes David Urban, a lobbyist with the American Continental Group, as he says he craftily managed to avoid Hill security lines. But Capitol Police followed up to say no individual is able to avoid security screening. “Wherever people undergo any sort of screening procedures within the Capitol Complex, they will certainly encounter U.S. Capitol Police Officers,” the police said in a statement to Morning Joe. “In addition to the physical presence of our cops, there are multiple layers of security—some are visible to the public while others are not.”
Despite the government shutdown, “lobbyists were out in force,” Politico’s Mike Allen told Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski on Wednesday.
“What are they lobbying on? Nothing’s going on with immigration; nothing’s going on with tax reform. But their clients want the gossip,” Allen continued.
Drew Katchen