Washington DC tours
 

We are planning a trip to DC in Nov. Which tours do we need to reserve in advance through our congressman and which tours can we sign up for when we are there? Also does it matter whether we make reservations with our senator as opposed to our representative?
Thanks for your help.

I went through my congressman and was able get the National Archives and The Capital, but not a White House tour. This was during spring break so you may be able to get the White House. I'd get as many tours planned ahead of time. My congressman had someone who handled these requests full time, if your congressman does too then they should be able to tell which tours need to be made in advance.
Oh you have the same congressman I do, I'm across the Bay from you in Aptos! Call Mr. Farr's Washington DC office and they will be very helpful.

I saw that you asked about hotels on another thread. We loved the JW Marriott on 13th and Penn. Ave. It was so close to everything we wanted to see. Washington is much more spread out then it looks on a map, so if you aren't close to the Mall plan on a lot of walking.

Thanks for the help.

I was able to contact my representative online (had a form for tour requests on his website) and his assistant got back to me by phone the same day! She mailed me a packet with maps and brochures and a list of all the things that require tickets. Although I was only requesting a White House tour, she set me up with a Capitol tour automatically, as well as tickets to watch the House in session. She said that it might be weeks before I know whether I can get the White House tour but has kept me updated periodically - very responsive!