Latta Leads Otsego Junior High on U.S. Capitol Tour During Government Shutdown

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) personally led a U.S. Capitol tour for students from Otsego Junior High in Wood County.

During the ongoing government shutdown, many federal operations, including public Capitol tours, are suspended until the government reopens. However, Members of Congress are still permitted to lead tours themselves, allowing students and visitors to continue experiencing the U.S. Capitol. Congressman Latta has led Capitol tours for Marion Local School, Coldwater Middle School, Fort Recovery Middle School, Antwerp Middle School, Willard High School, Upper Sandusky Middle School, and the Seneca County Honor Bus. This is Congressman Latta's eighth Capitol tour since the government shutdown on October 1, 2025.

Otsego Junior High was in Washington, DC, for a field trip, but many of their planned activities were cancelled due to the shutdown. Congressman Latta was glad to welcome the students and ensure they could still visit the Capitol during their trip.

"Many Americans, including constituents from my district, have been directly affected by the government shutdown. Students from Otsego Junior High were excited to visit our nation's capital, but the shutdown forced changes to their plans. I'm grateful to have led a personal tour for these bright Ohioans, sharing knowledge of American history and helping ensure they still had a meaningful experience in Washington, DC," Latta said.

"We're extremely grateful to Congressman Latta for making this visit possible. With the government shutdown canceling our original Capitol tour, his willingness to personally lead our students through the building means a lot. It's a rare chance for them to see and understand how our democracy works," said Charles Spencer, 8th Grade American History Teacher, Otsego Junior High.