Norton Calls on Capitol Police to Allow Sledding at Capitol During Expected Snowstorm
January 30, 2021
Sledding Can Be Done Safely During Heightened Security at Capitol
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released a statement calling on the U.S. Capitol Police to allow sledding at the Capitol tomorrow and next week in anticipation of a snowstorm.
"The west side of the Capitol is well known as perhaps the best place for sledding in D.C.'s high-density urban environment. Annually, I get a provision included in the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill directing the Capitol Police to allow sledding on Capitol grounds. While the Capitol complex has been closed since the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, sledding can be done safely by allowing only children and adults accompanied by children with sleds or other sled-like devices to use the Capitol grounds for sledding.
"This could be the only snowstorm D.C. gets this winter, and may be one of the best for sledding in years. Children and their parents should be able to enjoy sledding on one of the best hills in the city.
"Children across America have endured an extremely challenging year, and D.C. children in particular have not only endured the coronavirus pandemic but now the militarization of their city, with the hostile symbols of fences and barbed wire. Sledding is a simple, childhood thrill. It is the least we can allow for our resilient children this winter season."
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