Spared No Expense
A U.S. Capitol Visitors Center that was supposed to open in December 2005 at a cost of $265 million is finally opening next month – at a cost of more than $621 million.
The massive underground facility sits on the east side of the building – just between the Capitol and the U.S. Supreme Court – and features several great halls, two theaters, dozens of exhibits, a massive dining area and twenty-six public restrooms.
Is it pretty? Yes, very.
It’s also controversial, earning a “Fleecing of America” nomination last night from NBC News.
Not surprisingly, the new Visitor’s Center had its PC bases covered (i.e. “Emancipation Hall”), but until recently it didn’t feature any reference to America’s religious past.
That didn’t sit well with U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, who insisted that “In God We Trust” be inscribed in a prominent place inside the building – at a cost of $150,000.
Hmmm …
Anyway, you can book your tour of the new building by clicking here. Or you can save yourself the trouble and click on these pictures …
Comments
By Rob W. on November 11th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I’ve heard that a large part of the extra expense came because Congresscritters wanted extra conference rooms and media studios. Although I guess that a “fiscal conservative” blowing $150,000 to inscribe “In God We Trust” probably contributed as well.
By Diz on November 12th, 2008 at 12:19 am
Waitafugginminute … that’s ALL?!? Someone should be shot for not squandering more tax money.