WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republican leaders are delaying the start of business today because of an accident involving asbestos.

Entry to the House side of the Capitol building was temporarily closed early today, as a hazardous material response team worked at the scene of an incident that began at around 3 a.m.

A statement from the Architect of the Capitol says it happened during asbestos abatement work. The statement says “there was a potential release affecting the House side of the Capitol” — and that samples were collected to see if there’s any potential exposure.

The House was supposed to convene at 10 a.m. for morning business. Instead, lawmakers are expected to gather at noon to begin legislative work. The Senate’s schedule wasn’t affected.

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