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$621M Hill Visitor Center Opens

Building will accommodate tourists visiting Capitol

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 2, 2008 2:43 PM CST
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(Newser) – Congressional leaders spoke today at the opening of the Capitol Visitor Center, the Hill reports. The center, which was heavily delayed throughout its 6 years construction and cost a well-over-budget $621 million, will be the first stop for visitors to the Capitol, who previously had to wait in long lines outside in often-oppressive Washington heat.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke of working on legislation to rename the center’s hall to Emancipation Hall. “That day we talked about the fact that the Capitol was built by slaves,” Pelosi said. “Today I want to talk about the fact that it’s so appropriate that this Capitol Visitor Center is ready for 2009, which is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the Great Emancipator.”

Matthew Wodatch, 5, of Washington, looks at an exhibit about the Capitol's dome at United States Capitol Visitor Center today.
Matthew Wodatch, 5, of Washington, looks at an exhibit about the Capitol's dome at United States Capitol Visitor Center today.   (AP Photo)
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaks during the opening ceremony of the United States Capitol Visitor Center today.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaks during the opening ceremony of the United States Capitol Visitor Center today.   (AP Photo)
People fill Emancipation Hall during the opening ceremony of the United States Capitol Visitor Center today in Washington.
People fill Emancipation Hall during the opening ceremony of the United States Capitol Visitor Center today in Washington.   (AP Photo)
People fill Emancipation Hall during the opening ceremony for the United States Capitol Visitor Center in Washington today.
People fill Emancipation Hall during the opening ceremony for the United States Capitol Visitor Center in Washington today.   (AP Photo)
A model of present- day Capitol Hill on display at the new Capitol Visitor Center on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Nov. 10, 2008.
A model of present- day Capitol Hill on display at the new Capitol Visitor Center on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Nov. 10, 2008.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
People fill Emancipation Hall during the opening ceremony of the United States Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008.
People fill Emancipation Hall during the opening ceremony of the United States Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
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Opinion: Visitor center both a tragedy and triumph
Washington Post

Facility a fitting entrance to nation's 'temple of democracy': Pelosi
Bloomberg

US • Politics

 
Nancy Pelosi • Congress • Washington DC • slave • Capitol Hill • Abraham Lincoln • tourists

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