ACCESS and ASSISTANCE

The Senate Press Gallery staff assist correspondents generally and maintain their access to Senate proceedings. The gallery includes the press seats that overlook the Senate floor and the surrounding offices where reporters work. Gallery staff track floor action, tally votes and coordinate coverage of Senate news conferences and hearings. Staff are available to answer questions at the gallery desk and by telephone.

CREDENTIALS

The Senate gallery handles accreditation for daily newspapers, wire services and electronic news organizations that cover both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

NATIONAL POLITICAL CONVENTIONS and PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL

Every four years, the Standing Committee of Correspondents and the gallery staff oversee press arrangements – including accreditation — for the national political conventions and the presidential inaugural ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.

The gallery also coordinates coverage of other special events.

HOURS OF OPERATION

The Senate Press Gallery, located in Room S-316 of the Capitol, is open Monday through Friday and on weekends if the Senate is in session. During sessions, gallery hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – or until the Senate adjourns, whichever is later. During recess periods, the gallery is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

TELEPHONE

The main number for staff and for correspondents who work at the gallery is (202) 224-0241. Reporters can be paged or have messages left at that extension. After-hours recordings about Senate schedules and floor action are available at the Democratic Cloakroom — (202) 224-8541 – and the Republican Cloakroom — (202) 224-8601.