Latta Leads Willard High School and Upper Sandusky Middle School on U.S. Capitol Tours During Government Shutdown

Yesterday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) personally led two U.S. Capitol tours for students from Willard High School in Huron County and Upper Sandusky Middle School in Wyandot County.

During the ongoing government shutdown, many federal operations, including public Capitol tours, are suspended until the government reopens. However, Members of Congress are still permitted to lead tours themselves, allowing students and visitors to continue experiencing the U.S. Capitol. Last week, Congressman Latta led two Capitol tours for Marion Local Schools and Coldwater Middle School in Mercer County. On Tuesday, Congressman Latta led two tours for Fort Recovery Middle School and Antwerp Middle School.

Both Willard High School and Upper Sandusky School were in Washington, DC, for a field trip, but many of their planned activities were cancelled due to the shutdown. Congressman Latta was glad to welcome the students and ensure they could still visit the Capitol during their trip.

"Capitol tours are an engaging and important way for students to experience American history and civics firsthand. I enjoyed leading tours for Willard High School and Upper Sandusky Middle School, who traveled all the way from Ohio to visit Washington, DC. It's always great to see students curious about American government, and I hope they learned a lot and enjoyed their time at the Capitol," Latta said.

"Touring the U.S. Capitol has always been an important and meaningful part of our school trip to Washington, DC. When we learned the building would be closed due to the shutdown, we were obviously disappointed to think our students might miss out on that experience. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Latta for arranging and personally leading our tour of the Capitol. What an awesome surprise and incredible opportunity for our students," said Cathy Weaver, Teacher at Willard High School.

"Congressman Latta's personal tour of the U.S. Capitol was a standout highlight of our 8th-grade students' field trip. His willingness to provide this experience during the federal government shutdown gave our students a rare opportunity to explore one of our nation's most important institutions at a time when so many others were closed or unavailable," said Greg Moon, a chaperone for Upper Sandusky Middle School's trip.

"Upper Sandusky Middle School's 8th graders had a once in a lifetime experience as Congressman Bob Latta was so gracious to provide a personal tour of our Capitol building in Washington, DC on Wednesday, October 29th. The government shutdown has impacted many tours in Washington, DC, but Congressman Latta took the time out of his week to bring the class onto the House Floor of the Capitol building and explain our legislative branch along with historical points about the Capitol building. This experience will forever be remembered by our students and we all want to thank Congressman Latta for all his time and efforts to support our local community as well as our country," said Jason Hoffbauer, a chaperone for Upper Sandusky Middle School's Trip.