House Side of Capitol Building Reopens After Asbestos Incident
Published at(WASHINGTON) — The House side of the U.S. Capitol Building was briefly closed down on Thursday morning after officials said there was a “potential release” of asbestos during overnight repair work.
U.S. Capitol Police officers stood guard at every entry point to the House side of the building, while only the basement level was open. Laura Condeluci, public affairs specialist for the Architect of the Capitol, said on Thursday that the potential release occurred during “ongoing asbestos abatement work,” and that samples were collected to determine the extent of asbestos release.
By 9:15 a.m. the House wing of the Capitol Building was re-opened, with the exception of the grand staircase and the Tip O’Neill Room. The House had been scheduled to convene at 10 a.m. Thursday, but that was pushed back.
The Architect of the Capitol and the U.S. Capitol Police are investigating the incident.
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