Federal Government

“Bipartisan Letter Urges Congress to Reject Permanent Fencing Around the Capitol Complex”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by louisedettman

From Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Office yesterday:

“Today a bipartisan letter organized by Demand Progress and the Lincoln Network and signed by 20 organizations was sent to congressional leaders urging them to reject any proposal to permanently maintain fencing around the U.S. Capitol and nearby areas. This letter comes after the statement from Acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman that the U.S. Capitol Complex should be fitted with permanent fencing. While placing temporary fencing may be necessary at times, constructing permanent barriers around the heart of our legislature would deal a significant blow to the transparency and accessibility of our government. (more…)

Now about that other fencing “Norton to Introduce Bill Banning Permanent Fencing at U.S. Capitol Complex”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by LaTur

From Congresswoman Norton’s Office:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced today that she will introduce legislation to prohibit the installation of new permanent fencing at the U.S. Capitol complex. Norton has strongly opposed efforts to build permanent structures separating the Capitol complex from the rest of the nation’s capital in the wake of the January 6 attack. (more…)

Congresswoman “Norton Announces Virtual Town Hall on Effects of Capitol Attack on Neighbors and Other Residents”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by The Q Speaks

Congresswoman Norton’s office:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced today she will host a virtual town hall on the impact of the U.S. Capitol attack on D.C. residents, public spaces, and security on Thursday, February 11 at 6:00 p.m. All D.C. residents are invited to attend. D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6) and representatives from the U.S. Capitol Police also will speak and answer questions from attendees. (more…)

About those Helicopters Last Night, apparently “They were the new VH-92 model” on training runs

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo from Columbia Heights by DJ JunglEE

Lots of folks wrote in yesterday through last night from all over town echoing Lauren’s comment: “Please stop with the low flying helicopters oh my god! @PoPville (NoMa/H Street)”

Ed. Note: EHN is trying.

“2x VH-92A Marine One training and multiple landings at Naval Observatory this afternoon.”

Phil with some great video action: (more…)

“Mayor Bowser’s Letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf Regarding Inauguration Preparations”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by angela n.

From the Office of the Mayor:

“January 9, 2021

The Honorable Chad F. Wolf
Acting Secretary
United States Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC 20528

Dear Acting Secretary Wolf:

Following the unprecedented terrorist attack on the United States Capitol on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, and the continued threat of related violence in the District of Columbia, we are extremely concerned about the upcoming National Special Security Event (NSSE) led by the United States Secret Service. We believe strongly that the 59th Presidential Inauguration on January 20 will require a very different approach than previous inaugurations given the chaos, injury, and death experienced at the United States Capitol during the insurrection. While I will be reaching out to a broad range of local, regional, and federal partners to enhance cooperation among our bodies, I strongly urge the United States Department of Homeland Security to adjust its approach to the Inauguration in several specific ways. (more…)

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes “Norton Sends Letter to White House Physician Seeking Answers on Contact Tracing” + “National Capital Region Delegation Statement on White House Coronavirus Outbreak”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Ted Eytan

From the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today sent a letter to Dr. Sean Conley, physician to the President and head of the White House Medical Unit, expressing concern about the failure of the White House to provide contact tracing during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak among staff, visitors, and the President himself. In her letter, Norton says that the District of Columbia has worked hard to become among the best at coronavirus containment, but the lax way the White House has responded to the outbreak and its failure to do contact tracing threaten D.C. residents.

“As the only representative of our nation’s capital in Congress, I have worked endlessly to prevent the spread of this deadly disease and limit its effects on the people I represent,” Norton said. “The White House’s – and particularly the President’s – recklessness jeopardizes these last eight months of work. Many White House staffers live in the District, and the President’s actions and the White House’s refusal to adequately follow up with contact tracing risks the lives of D.C. residents.”

The letter, which follows below, asks for answers from Dr. Conley to four questions by October 13, 2020. (more…)

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