That's where the Watergate hearings were held in 1973. Thompson was a GOP counsel during those hearings. But that room wasn't designed to accommodate the six TV cameras aimed at the panel on Tuesday. So Thompson switched to a modern room in the newest congressional office building. It's lined with skyboxes and has niches for TV and still cameras.
Red curtains fall in perfect pleats from the committee's curved table.
Congressional hearings are often sparsely attended. Sometimes only one member is there to question witnesses. But all 15 men and one woman on this panel were in their seats on Tuesday. All 16 wore dark suits and somber expressions. But his request came too late.