Updated

The House call volume is apparently very high. Look at this "system alert" from the House, telling everyone that "telephone circuits at near capacity."

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"Subject: System Alert - House Telephone Circuits Near Capacity

Due to the high volume of external calls, House telephone circuits serving 202-225-XXXX phone numbers are near capacity resulting in outside callers occasionally getting busy signals. Outbound calls are unaffected.

During this time offices may wish to provide district office staff and key contacts with an alternate 202-226-XXXX extension, if available, until call volumes subside.

If you have any questions, please contact the CAO Technology Call Center at 5-6002 or 1-800-HIR-USER."

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Call volume on a typical day in the House is 20,000 calls per hour.

Fox News Producer Pam Ritter contributed to this report