A "Classic Money Pit" in Congress' Back Yard

The biggest renovation of the US Capitol since the 1850s is getting more expensive and farther behind schedule. An underground visitor's center has jumped in price by $130 million dollars since it started and is months behind on completion. Rep James Moran (D-VA) calls it "a classic money pit." It's a huge hole right beside the Capitol. There have been add-ons to the cost:

• $70 million to expand office space expansion
• $48 million for "unforseen site conditions"
• $350 million for noise deafening windowpanes
  

The center's supposed to open now in late 2006. (Philadelphia Inquirer)