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I’m frankly embarrassed by all the parking garage stories right now. From my perspective, the @uscapitol staff have been extremely gracious and supportive wherever we encountered them. The entire community - Members, staff, support staff - just underwent a traumatic episode.
Folks by and large had hotels. Different units maybe planned and coordinated worse, but gist was 8h in a hotel, 2h transit/shift change, 12h guard/rest, 2h transit/shift change. Some timelines slipped due to changes, but eminently reasonable. Halls/garages were rest break areas.
Most units didn’t arrive until well after the viral imagery of hallway naps. I always make sure I keep a tent, sleeping bag, and cot in my truck and bring them wherever if I don’t have to carry it all, but those photos certainly compelled me to have those things ready.
You could talk to Architect of the Capitol staff to ascertain if the conference room you were squatting in had any events coming up and when you’d need to leave by. I did. Just call First Call. They were extremely helpful and supportive.
Garage complaints are absolutely not the story to tell and I’m sad about that. The hometown National Guard raced to DC from all points after the Capitol was attacked. Thousands of troops and dozens of agencies came together to ensure a safe inauguration. That’s the story to tell.
If it’s not already evident, I can only speak for what I personally observed myself. It’s a big operation and things are moving fast, but I felt good about the whole thing and well-taken-care-of throughout. It was an honor to support our partners and be a part of this.
