Why you might roll your eyes:
Savvy Washingtonians know that nothing really gets debated on the House floor—the chamber is usually empty, with lawmakers posturing for C-SPAN.
Why you’ll love it:
Everyone should see how the sausage is made at least once. Sure, the House of Representatives is just a bunch of goobers sent here to impose the whims of their backwater districts on the rest of the country, but a company town like Washington is only as good as its leading industry. You’ll want to time your visit well and go on a day the House is taking a critical vote on big-ticket legislation. Even if you’re not in the chamber for the final roll call, you’ll get to see the demonstrators who flock to town to cheer or jeer.
Same-day passes for this civics lesson are available from your representative or senator’s office when the House is in session.
