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Take Five: Speaker Paul D. Ryan

(Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
(Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

It’s time again for Take Five, when HOH talks with a member of Congress about topics relatively unrelated to legislative work.  

Who better to start off the second session of the 114th Congress than Speaker Paul D. Ryan? This week, the freshly shaved Wisconsin Republican talks about ringing in the New Year, what he misses when he’s away from home and bow hunting. Q: What did you do for New Years?  

A: I spent time with my family. There’s nothing better to end the year and ring in a new one.  

Q: What did you miss the most about Washington while you were home?  

A: Not a lot.  

Q: Now that you’re speaker, has your workout regime changed at all?  

A: I’m a creature of routine and have been able to keep my routine largely intact since taking this new role. I work out every morning around 6:30 a.m., before my first meetings of the day and will keep that up.  

Q: What do you miss the most about Wisconsin when you leave, besides family?  

A: Fish fry, the [Buckhorn Supper Club in Milton, Wis.,] and Wisconsinites.  

Q: You enjoy bow hunting as recreation, what animals do you hunt?  

A: I deer hunt with my bow. A successful hunting season means that I’ve filled my freezer for the year.  

(Editor’s Note: On Dec. 15, Ryan said he normally sheds his winter beard after he gets his bow kill, so the speaker’s unveiling of his freshly clean-shaven face on Tuesday via Instagram either indicates he’s stocked the freezer with venison or his wife Janna finally had enough. Contacted to clarify, the speaker didn’t get back to us. )

Fresh year. Fresh start. Fresh shave.

A photo posted by Speaker Paul Ryan (@speakerryan) on

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