Where is the Senate Press Gallery?
The Senate Press Gallery is located in room S-316, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC 20510.
What do we do?
The press gallery provides credentials and workspace for bona fide print journalists who cover the Congress. The Superintendent, under the direction of the Standing Committee of Correspondents, supervises the gallery staff to facilitate the coverage by reporters of Congressional activity.
How do reporters get credentials?
Washington-based, daily print reporters who cover the Congress must submit application forms to the Standing Committee of Correspondents in order to receive credentials. Application forms can be found on our homepage (www.senate.gov/galleries/daily). An eight ($8) dollar check must accompany each application. Press gallery staff handle all applications for accreditation for the Standing Committee and questions may be directed to Gallery Staff at (202) 224-0241.
Where are press conferences held?
Press conferences are generally held either in the room S-316, U.S. Capitol, the Daily Press Gallery or in the joint media studio located in room S-325, the Radio-TV Gallery.
Where can reporters file their stories?
Many news organizations have workspace in the press gallery. Desks and phone lines are provided by the gallery for these organizations. The Standing Committee assigns the workspace on a case by case basis. There is a general work area provided by the press gallery for those organizations who need space on a temporary basis. The House Press Gallery, room H-315, the Capitol, also provides a limited amount of workspace for reporters who cover the U.S. House of Representatives.
What basic services are provided by gallery staff for gallery members?
The staff will answer phone calls and take messages for gallery members. There are 10 phone booths provided for reporters use. Staff will take notes and update a log inside the Senate chamber to allow reporters to follow floor action while pursuing their coverage throughout the Capitol complex. Staff will provide bill texts and reports of pending legislation and disseminate press releases and calendars of business to accredited reporters. Staff also will help save seats for members at press conferences and committee meetings.
Who can hold press conferences in the gallery?
Only Senators and their invited guests can hold press conferences in the Daily Press Gallery, room S-316, the Capitol. The Radio-TV Gallery has different rules and requirements. In general, a member of the media galleries must invite the Senator to use the joint media studio located in room S-325, the Capitol.
Are cameras, recording equipment or any electronic device permitted in the press gallery overlooking the Senate Chamber?
No cameras, tape recorders, or any electronic devices are permitted in the Senate Chamber. Reporters wishing to record floor debate must tape from outside the Chamber off the televisions provided in room S-316, the Capitol.
How do reporters call Senators off the floor?
Credentialed reporters may request Senators to come from the floor to be interviewed. Press should go to the President's Room located on the 2nd floor of the Senate side of the Capitol. Senate staff will notify the Senator of your request.
Where is a good place to button-hole Senators?
Senators are available for impromptu press conferences on the 2nd floor of the Senate near the elevators during roll call votes. Credentialed press can stake-out this area during the votes. On Tuesdays, between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m., the weekly party luncheons are held in the LBJ (S-211) and Mansfield (S-207) rooms on the 2nd floor. Stake-outs are authorized by the Ohio Clock.
What is Dug Out Chatter?
Pre-session press conferences by the Senate leadership to discuss the legislative agenda and other current issues are held frequently. These are not now held on the floor, but rather are televised and on-the-record. Look for their scheduling on the electronic bulletin boards located in the media galleries and on the Media Galleries' Home Pages.
Does the press gallery issue temporary credentials, such as one-day, weekly or monthly passes?
Yes. Temporary credentials are provided to bona fide daily reporters who need to cover the Congress on a limited basis. One day passes are available in both the House and Senate Daily Press Galleries. A letter of introduction from an organization's bureau chief or editor is required for issuance of temporary credentials. Only the Senate Daily Press Gallery may issue temporary credentials that last for more than one day. There is no fee for such credentials.
How many press releases should an Senate office deliver to the gallery?
A good rule of thumb is fifty (50) or 1/3 of what one has to deliver. Remember to take some to the Radio-TV, Periodical and Press Photo Galleries.
How long does the press gallery keep on file Senate press releases?
Thirty (30) days.
How much do Senators get paid?
Each Senator is paid $165,200. The Leadership is paid $183,500.
How can one find out how much a Senate staffer is paid?
Twice a year the Secretary of the Senate Report is produced and distributed to the gallery.
Where can one find a Senator's financial disclosure forms?
The Office of Public records is located in room SH-232. The phone number is (202) 224-0322.