Word on the Hill: Watch Out For Live Animals

By Alex Gangitano

Posted December 7, 2016 at 5:00am

You may see a sheep, a donkey and camels walking around Capitol Hill today.

The annual live Nativity procession starts at 11 a.m. behind the Supreme Court, featuring animals, and actors dressed as the Holy Family and the three wise men, as well as shepherds and a little drummer boy.

The procession, organized by Faith & Action in the Nation’sCapital, will make its way on Second Street, turn left on Constitution Avenue, and proceed to First Street to the front of the Supreme Court, where the Christmas story will be read.

From there, it will head up First Street, make a left on East Capitol Street, and a left onto Second Street Northeast.

Hot chocolate and lunch will be served at the procession’s conclusion.

McConnell touts his outgoing senators

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is giving a few floor speeches a day about fellow Republicans who are leaving the Senate, either due to retirement or after losing re-election. He tweeted some highlights of the speeches so far.

Indiana Sen. Dan Coats “doesn’t always feel the need to speak up. But when he does, people pay attention. We will miss his steadfast resolve.”

Illinois Sen. Mark S. Kirk “has never been intimidated by a challenge. He’s been defying the odds for a long time, while inspiring others along the way.”

While Louisiana Sen. David Vitter “may be retiring from the Senate, we know he will continue to look for ways to serve Louisiana.”

Staffer shuffle

Rep. Robin Kelly’s, D-Ill., new communications director is James Lewis, who was previously Rep. Barbara Lee’s, D-Calif., communications director.

Rep. Greg Walden’s, R-Ore., new chief of staff is Lorissa Bounds, who comes from retiring Rep. Matt Salmon’s, R-Ariz., office. Bounds is replacing Brian MacDonald, who announced in an email Tuesday that he is leaving.

Holiday parties today…

American Defense International, 6 to 9 p.m at Hotel George, 15 E St. NW. Invite-only.

Electronic Transactions Association, 5 to 7 p.m. at Sonoma, 223 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Invite-only.

Brewers Association, 5 to 7 p.m. in Longworth House Office Building cafeteria. Open invite online.

Women of Health, 5:30 to 8 p.m. at City Club of Washington, 555 13th St. NW. RSVP: cguttmann@hlc.org.

Southern Company, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in East Hall, Union Station. Invite-only.

Consumer Technology Association, 6 to 9 p.m. at 21 D St. SE. Invite-only.

Entertainment Software Association, 7 p.m. at Rock & Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. Invite-only.

NASA, 5 to 7 p.m., Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2325. RSVP: congressionalevents@nasa.gov.

Check out Roll Call’s full list of parties and a guide to navigating them. If your office is decorating for the holidays, send us photographs for an HOH shout-out.