An 'Industrial Spill' Has Closed Part of the U.S. Capitol Building

The House of Representatives will probably need to find somewhere else to meet this morning. According to multiple reports, the House-side of the U.S. Capitol building is closed because of an "industrial spill," reportedly of asbestos. 

Fox News's Chad Pergram, citing senior sources at the Capitol, reported on Twitter that "they don't know 'the extent' of industrial spill at Capitol. Air testing going on. EPA & HAZMAT on scene." CNN's Dierdre Walsh, citing Capitol police, reported that a portion of the ceiling fell overnight, "exposing a chemical substance." Roll Call'sHannah Hess says the spilled substance was asbestos, according to her sources. 

Obviously, this is putting a dent in the routines of those who planned to spend the day reporting at the Capitol, or, you know, legislating there. The House is still set to begin its day at 10 a.m., Pergram added. It's not clear if they'll meet at a different location, or how long it will take to assess the extent of the industrial incident and clean it up. 

The House side of the Capitol is closed due to an industrial spill. The basement was the only floor I was able to access this morning

— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) July 10, 2014

Cap Police say House side of Capitol closed due to an "industrial spill." Um...what?

— Amanda Carpenter (@amandacarpenter) July 10, 2014

(Image via Condor 36/Shutterstock.com)