Letter to J. Brett Blanton, Architect of the Capitol, and Brian Monahan, Attending Physician - Rep. Ted Budd Defends Sleeping in Congressional Office
Letter
Dear Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton and Attending Physician Brian Monahan:
I am writing in response to a May 1, 2020 letter you received from Rep. Jackie Speier regarding Members of Congress sleeping in their offices.
After I took office in 2017, I made the determination that I would not establish a separate residence in Washington, D.C. and instead use my office as a temporary place for me to sleep when the House is in session. My intention upon taking this job was to do my work up in Washington, D.C., and then come back home to North Carolina as soon as possible, so I can spend more time with my family and remain in touch with the needs of my constituents in the 13th district.
In her letter, Rep. Speier made several points arguing against this arrangement. She used the current COVID-19 pandemic as justification, writing, "it's highly possible that other communicable diseases have been transmitted more rapidly due to Members living in their offices." While I understand this position, there is no evidence that Members have been infected with COVID-19 due to sleeping in their offices, or that they have infected others from this practice. In fact, Members remaining in separate offices and not having to travel to and from apartments or houses off of the U.S. Capitol grounds makes social distancing easier and allows for less contact with potentially infected individuals. Add in the fact that the last several weeks have seen the House be in session for less than five days, which further lessens the chance for the spread of the virus.
Unfortunately, it seems that Rep. Speier's concern over COVID-19 is not the true reason she is advocating for a ban. In fact, she has been pushing to enact such a prohibition for several years. In a December 14, 2017 news article, she called this practice "unseemly" and "wrong," which mirrors her letter, in which she refers to congressional offices as "homeless shelters."
I understand Rep. Speier's philosophical differences. However, I would urge the OAP and AOC to not be swayed by the ideological objections of certain Members who use any policy issue or national crisis to attempt to enact their long-held political agendas.
Since I took office, I have chosen to represent the people of North Carolina's 13th District by opting against living in a separate Washington, D.C. residence. I would urge you both to let Members continue to choose the living arrangement that is best for them. I commend you for your work in protecting the U.S. Capitol and making this complex one of the safest and healthiest places to work.
Sincerely,
Rep. Ted Budd
Member of Congress
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