The Washington Post, February 8, 1996:

Vast lines of hundreds of people have started forming as early as 5 a.m. to obtain ... tickets [to the Vermeer exhibition]....

... Unknown to most of the public ... pre-approved admittees ... have only to walk up, ask for their "courtesy passes," proceed to the head of the line and enter the exhibit without further ado....

"I don't think we're looking at special treatment here," ventured Tom McMahon, press secretary to Sen. Howell Heflin (D-AL).... "In many cases a member's or staff member's time is limited, and to have the opportunity to go and see something like this is important." ...

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