Due to post 9/11 security concern, all visits to the US Capitol must be pre-arranged with members of the Congress. We got our tickets courtesy of Congressman Ed Royce (R-Calf). The thoroughness of security search prohibits all large bags. With my camera bag left at the Congressman’s office, all interior shots were taken with my 10-22mm ultra wide-angle zoom.

Absolutely no photography is allowed in the House and Senate galleys. I think the real reason for the ban is to prevent embarrassing pictures of congressmen addressing an almost empty chamber. We witness a “debate” on the line-item-veto bill. The few congressmen waiting their turn to debate would sit behind their speaking colleague to act as a backdrop for the CSPAN camera. As soon as one finished reading his speech into the record, he would leave.
BTW, the House passed the bill later that day.