Rep. Virginia Foxx said some members of Congress want to bar reporters from the Speaker’s Lobby, a crucial area off the House floor for journalists to question lawmakers.
Foxx said the proposal to limit access came from a “member day” hearing earlier this month where House members weighed rules changes for the upcoming 120th session. Foxx told 535 News that the idea was popular among members.
“One that had a lot of support was to not allow the press in the Speaker’s Lobby. People are very irritated about the press being right off the floor,” she said.
The Speaker’s Lobby, located behind the House dais, is often where lawmakers spend time between votes, allowing reporters to lob questions without chasing members down hallways. The decorum of the space is strictly enforced, including that men wear ties and coats.
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The lobby was off-limits to reporters during the COVID-19 pandemic before being reopened in 2021.
Foxx, who chairs the House Rules Committee, did not endorse the ban on reporters herself but said several lawmakers put “a lot of sentiment” behind the idea.
The administration has curtailed press access in President Donald Trump’s second term, including barring reporters from unescorted access to the press office in the West Wing.
Last year, dozens of reporters turned in their press credentials and left the Pentagon in protest of restrictive reporting rules introduced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Earlier this month, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joked about easing restrictions on sneakers in the Speaker’s Lobby should Democrats gain the majority, adding that he’s a member of the pro-kicks camp.
The House will vote on the rules package on Jan. 3 when the new congressional session convenes.
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