Members See Green
How they’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
It’s St. Patrick’s Day and plenty of members of Congress are celebrating their heritage.
On Thursday, many showed up at the office by wearing Irish flag ties, green blazers, dresses, and accessories.
House Speaker Paul D. Ryan continued a tradition that started in 1983, hosting the Irish Prime Minister, Enda Kenny, for the traditional Friends of Ireland luncheon with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. Kenny said in his remarks that he had breakfast at the Naval Observatory in the morning, another tradition, and discussed immigration with Pence.
“There are millions out there who want to play their part in America, who want to make America great. Heard that before?” Kenny said, turning toward Trump.
We asked Reps. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York, Mike Quigley of Illinois and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, all Democrats and members of the Ad Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs, how they plan to celebrate on Friday.
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney
Q: What are you doing this year to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
A: I will be celebrating on Saturday by marching in the Town of Montgomery St. Patrick’s Day Parade in my district in the Hudson Valley before holding a town hall event. There are several pretty huge St. Patrick’s Day parades in my district and I normally try to attend as many as possible — many of my staff members join me in marching and throwing out green candy to parade-goers.
Q: What is your favorite St. Patrick’s Day tradition?
A: I would say drinking a Guinness, like a true Irishman, but I normally give up alcohol for Lent every year.
Q: What St. Patrick’s Day food item is your favorite?
A: Nothing is better than my mom’s corned beef.
Rep. Mike Quigley
Q: What are you doing this year to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
A: Various parades in Chicago.
Q: What is your favorite St. Patrick’s Day tradition?
A: Listening to The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem.
Q: What St. Patrick’s Day food item is your favorite?
A: Corned beef and cabbage.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro
Q: What are you doing this year to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
A: Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade. [Editor’s note: DeLauro attended the parade on Sunday — something she does every year.]
Q: What is your favorite St. Patrick’s Day tradition?
A: Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Q: What St. Patrick’s Day food item is your favorite?
A: Corned beef on rye with mustard and a pickle.
