Why is it against the rules in both the galleries of the House and Senate to write or read anything? What is it about these activities that the House and Senate find unacceptable? Brunswick, Maryland 5/3/00

The ban on reading and writing is for security concerns. Members are moving about on the House and Senate floors. The galleries are above them. Visitors look straight down into the chamber. A pencil or pen or book or notepad could be hurled down, deliberately or by accident. At worst this might injure someone, at best it could disrupt the proceedings. By the way, reporters, if seated in the press gallery, are exempt from the prohibition.