Democrat Vying For Top Committee Spot Won’t Stick Up For Town Fighting Utility Giant

New York Rep. Tom Suozzi’s cousin Ralph Suozzi chairs the entity locked in a death match with the town of Huntington.
|
Open Image Modal
Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) in Washington in September 2017. He has declined to side with constituents in their fight to stop a public utility giant from bankrupting a local school district.
ASSOCIATED PRESS/Alex Brandon

Rep. Tom Suozzi (N.Y.), a two-term centrist Democrat from Long Island, is reportedly shortlisted for a seat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee. He is competing with Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and other progressive members for a seat on Ways and Means, prompting scrutiny of his record of pro-Wall Street votes.

Back in his district, he is locked in another battle, in which he has declined to side with constituents in their fight to stop a public utility giant from bankrupting a local school district.

Suozzi’s inaction in the high-stakes tax fight involving one his district’s largest towns ― and comments suggesting sympathy with the utility monopoly ― raises additional questions about his fitness for a panel devoted to crafting tax and domestic spending policy.

The Long Island Power Authority, a state entity that controls electricity transmission from the Northport power plant in the town of Huntington, is suing to reduce its property tax contribution to the town by 90 percent.

If LIPA gets its way, the Northport school district would be especially hard hit. District officials project that they would need at least a 50 percent property tax increase to fill the gap ― a tax hike that they fear could spark an economic death spiral.

The roughly 200,000 residents of Huntington make up more than one-quarter of the population of New York’s 3rd Congressional District.

But Suozzi, the district’s congressman, has not been vocal about the matter, let alone used his influence to get LIPA to back down.

To the extent that Suozzi has commented on the fight, he has expressed sympathy for LIPA’s position. He argued in an October debate with Republican challenger Dan DeBono that LIPA’s steep property taxes are to blame for the high utility rates it charges Long Island residents. (A spokesman for Suozzi referred HuffPost to the debate exchange.)

“Quite frankly, the ratepayers for all of Long Island are paying for [the high property taxes] through their LIPA rates,” Suozzi said.

Suozzi counseled the town to settle with LIPA for a gradual phase-in of a property tax reduction.

Local activists suspect that Suozzi is compromised by his connections to top officials at LIPA and National Grid, the U.K.-based multinational that owns the Northport plant.

Ralph Suozzi, a cousin of the congressman’s, serves as chairman of LIPA’s board of trustees. And Robert Catell, a former chairman of National Grid’s U.S. operation, donated $1,000 to Tom Suozzi’s 2018 re-election bid, and $2,000 to his first run in 2016. (Catell has been retired since 2009.)

“He should completely distance himself from his cousin … and be the loudest voice in the room in defense of the residents of Suffolk County.”

- Michael Marcantonio, community activist

“Regardless of whether or not that influences his decision on this issue, it creates the perception of corruption in the public’s mind,” said Michael Marcantonio, a Huntington Democrat who has knocked on doors for Tom Suozzi and ran for the state Assembly on a platform of taking on LIPA.

Eugene Cook, a Huntington town councilman and conservative-leaning independent, said he knew about Suozzi’s connections and therefore “didn’t bother” asking him for help.

DeBono, who lost to Suozzi by 18 percentage points on Election Day, was far more explicit in his criticism. He made the potential conflict of interest a prominent theme during the campaign, fashioning himself a fiercer opponent of corporate monopolies than Suozzi.

Referring to Suozzi’s inaction on the issue, DeBono told HuffPost, “It’s not illegal, but it’s more of the same crony corporate capitalism.”

In the October debate, Suozzi denied that his cousin’s status as chairman of LIPA’s board had influenced his stance.

“I have never discussed this issue with him. It is not an issue that I have ever been involved in,” he said.

For Marcantonio, who makes a living as a corporate lawyer, the remarks were not enough.

“He should completely distance himself from his cousin … and be the loudest voice in the room in defense of the residents of Suffolk County,” Marcantonio said.

Open Image Modal
The Long Island Power Authority is trying to reduce the property taxes it pays on the Northport power plant in Huntington, New York.
Bloomberg/Getty Images

A Utility Bailout Funded By The Ratepayers

LIPA’s conflict with Huntington is rooted in decades of controversial policy decisions that began with LIPA’s creation. In 1986, the Long Island Lighting Company, or LILCO, faced the prospect of collapse after public opposition pushed it to shutter a nuclear energy plant that it spent $6 billion building.

Rather than allow LILCO to fail, the state government created the quasi-public LIPA to effectively bail out LILCO without saddling Long Island residents with higher utility rates to pay off LILCO’s debts.

That didn’t happen. LIPA finalized a $7.3 billion takeover of LILCO in 1998, leaving ratepayers to pick up the tab for a state bailout. LILCO Chairman William Catacosinos walked away with a $42 million severance payout; then–LIPA Chairman Richard Kessel said nothing could be done about it.

Under the terms of the bailout, LIPA would take ownership of the electric transmission lines from the Northport power plant, collect utility rate money and reimburse the power plant’s owner for property taxes to Huntington based on the value of the plant.

One thing Huntington and other towns that hosted the former LILCO power plants thought they could count on was that LIPA would not challenge its property tax obligations to the towns. Kessel promised in a 1997 letter that LIPA would not challenge its property tax contributions to any towns with its plants, “unless a municipality abusively increases its assessment rate.” (Kessel, incidentally, contributed $500 each cycle to Suozzi’s 2016 and 2018 campaigns.)

LIPA customers have some of the highest utility rates in the Northeast — which many residents attribute to the legacy cost of bailing out LILCO.

“It’s important that there be people who have a track record of listening to the people and not special interests, especially on this committee.”

- Alex Lawson, Social Security Works

But LIPA has encouraged its 1.1 million ratepayers to blame towns like Huntington for overcharging LIPA on property taxes at the expense of ratepayers outside the town.

Trade groups representing Long Island construction and real estate companies bought the talking point. They urged LIPA to sue for a lower tax bill instead of demanding tougher regulation of LIPA’s rates or reforms to its board, which is appointed by the governor and state legislative leaders.

In 2010, LIPA took them up on it. The state entity sued Huntington and several other towns in Long Island, claiming the Northport plant was worth less than $200 million ― down from its 1998 valuation of $3.8 billion.

Local officials and activists have cried foul, noting that the plant’s 250-acre property on the shore of Long Island Sound includes an international fiber optic cable and a natural gas pipeline from Canada. The plant is also capable of running on either natural gas or fuel oil, giving it a resiliency in the event of catastrophe rare among regional plants.

Most of all, they tried to stop the litigation on the grounds that Kessel had promised there would be no legal challenges to LIPA’s burden. But judges have repeatedly sided with LIPA on that argument.

For the time being, it looks as though Huntington has taken Suozzi’s advice and is headed back to the bargaining table. The town’s attorneys are in mediation talks with LIPA in the hopes of reaching an agreement.

Meanwhile, at least one LIPA official has already warned that a victory in the fight against Huntington would not generate lower utility rates.

Critics worry that Suozzi’s stance on the local tax dispute reflects a bias toward the powerful that would color his work on the House Ways and Means Committee.

“The congressman’s support for LIPA and his insistence on repeating their talking points did our community serious damage,” Marcantonio said. “Our community felt abandoned ― like he was abandoning the little guy in support of those with power.”

Open Image Modal
Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), center, speaks at a rally for Wisconsin Democrats, including Randy Bryce (left), on Oct. 26 in Milwaukee. Progressive activists are pressing to have her appointed to the House Ways and Means Committee.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Diversity Concerns

Criticism of Suozzi comes amid a broader effort by progressive groups to shape the makeup of the House Ways and Means Committee, as well as the other influential, so-called money committees: Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, and Appropriations. The co-chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus secured a promise from House Speaker–designate Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) that caucus members would have representation on those four committees, as well as the Intelligence Committee, consistent with the 40 percent share of the larger House Democratic Caucus that the CPC represents.

With that goal in mind, Alex Lawson, the executive director of Social Security Works, which is active in a coalition pressing for more progressive representation on top committees, echoed Marcantonio’s sentiments. Lawson and his fellow activists want the House Steering and Policy Committee, led by Pelosi, to tap Reps. Pramila Jayapal (Wash.), Ro Khanna (Calif.) and Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.) for the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

“It’s important that there be people who have a track record of listening to the people and not special interests, especially on this committee,” Lawson said.

Ways and Means, the oldest congressional decision-making panel, has jurisdiction over all three major social insurance programs (Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid), a host of other means-tested social programs, tax policy of all kinds and international trade agreements.

The committee is sure to play a major role in the next Congress. It has jurisdiction over legislation empowering Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, which Democrats plan to make a top priority.

That’s a key reason progressive activists have launched a major push to land left-leaning members on Ways and Means and other influential committees where they have traditionally been underrepresented.

Although the Steering and Policy Committee has yet to meet to officially decide on who will get the eight open Democratic seats on the powerful panel, Democratic leaders are leaning toward filling five of the slots with white men ― Suozzi and Reps. Don Beyer (Va.), Brad Schneider (Ill.), Brendan Boyle (Pa.) and Jimmy Panetta (Calif.) ― according to two congressional aides with knowledge of the matter.

That leaves four women of color ― Ocasio-Cortez and Jayapal, as well as Reps. Gwen Moore (Wis.) and Stephanie Murphy (Fla.) ― competing for the three remaining spots. Khanna and Rep. Dan Kildee (Mich.) have also applied for seats on the panel.

Asked for comment on the veracity of the alleged makeup of the committee, a House Democratic leadership aide said, “This is complete and utter bullshit.”

“Whomever is speculating is merely guessing and trying to stir things up,” the aide said. “Diversity is a factor in Steering [Committee] decisions, of course.”

Nonetheless, for congressional aides and activists concerned about racial and gender diversity on such an important committee, the possibility of Moore’s exclusion is especially galling.

Moore, who became the first black member of Congress from Wisconsin in 2005, put herself through college with the help of means-tested assistance programs as a young single mother. She has since become an outspoken progressive advocate for social assistance who nonetheless has a reputation for bipartisan legislating. A survivor of domestic violence, she was the lead sponsor of the latest iteration of the Violence Against Women Act, which Congress renewed in 2013, even as Republicans controlled the House.

Giving five of the eight seats on Ways and Means to white men “would send the wrong message to the House Democratic caucus,” said a House Democratic aide who does not work for any of the members in question. “We won based on increased turnout among people of color and especially African-American women.”

CLARIFICATION: This story was amended to reflect that the Steering and Policy Committee has not finalized its committee assignments.

Support HuffPost

At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.

Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Scenes From Capitol Hill
NSA Surveillance(01 of68)
Open Image Modal
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), left, and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), center, exit the Senate floor after Paul spoke about surveillance legislation on Capitol Hill on May 31, 2015. (credit:Drew Angerer via Getty Images)
National Anthem(02 of68)
Open Image Modal
From left: U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) place their hands over their hearts during the playing of the national anthem during a presentation ceremony for the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of the American Fighter Aces' service to the United States at the U.S. Capitol on May 20, 2015. Congress honored the service of the pilots with the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow. (credit:Win McNamee via Getty Images)
Remembering Officers(03 of68)
Open Image Modal
President Barack Obama (from left), Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson attend the 34rd Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service on Capitol Hill on May 15, 2015. (credit:Yuri Gripas via Getty Images)
Elton John(04 of68)
Open Image Modal
Singer Elton John (right), founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and Pastor Rick Warren (left) of the Saddleback Church, arrive to testify about global health programs during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill on May 6, 2015. (credit:SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
Loretta Lynch Testimony(05 of68)
Open Image Modal
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch (right) appears before the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on May 7, 2015. The committee is hearing testimony on the Justice Department's budget request for fiscal year 2016. (credit:Mark Wilson via Getty Images)
Bernie Runs(06 of68)
Open Image Modal
U.S. Sen. Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.) leaves after a news conference to speak on his agenda for America on Capitol Hill on April 30, 2015, after announcing he would run for U.S. president. (credit:Alex Wong via Getty Images)
Japanese Prime Minister(07 of68)
Open Image Modal
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe waves before he addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2015. (credit:Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)
Subway Smiles(08 of68)
Open Image Modal
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), second from left, smiles as he rides a Senate subway with a member of the press, left, after a vote April 23, 2015, to confirm Loretta Lynch as the next U.S. attorney general. (credit:Alex Wong via Getty Images)
Hotdish Competition(09 of68)
Open Image Modal
Members of the Minnesota delegation taste each other's entries during the Minnesota Congressional Delegation Hotdish Competition on Capitol Hill on April 22, 2015. Hotdish is a meal similar to a casserole. (credit:Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)
Advocating For Loretta Lynch(10 of68)
Open Image Modal
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) speaks while flanked by members of the Congressional Black Caucus during a news conference on Capitol Hill on April 22, 2015. Pelosi urged the Senate to immediately confirm Loretta Lynch's nomination as attorney general. (credit:Mark Wilson via Getty Images)
Justice March(11 of68)
Open Image Modal
Henry Singleton of New York City holds up a sign as U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) speaks during a rally to mark the finish of March2Justice on April 21, 2015, on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Dozens of marchers took part in an eight-day, 250-mile march from Staten Island, New York, to the nation's capital to demand congressional intervention to tackle "the national crisis of police violence." (credit:Alex Wong via Getty Images)
Special Guest(12 of68)
Open Image Modal
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, second from left, speaks with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), second from right, as they pose for a photo alongside Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), left, and Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), right, prior to a meeting at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on April 21, 2015. (credit:Saul Loeb via Getty Images)
Gyrocopter At The Capitol(13 of68)
Open Image Modal
Capitol Hill police officers and other officials lift a gyrocopter that landed on the U.S. Capitol's South Lawn, onto a trailer on April 15, 2015. A man identified as Doug Hughes, 61, illegally landed his aircraft on the Capitol lawn, triggering street closures around the building and prompting a police investigation. Hughes is described as a mailman, and a logo appearing to be that of the U.S. Postal Service was visible on the tail fin of the aircraft. (credit:Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images)
Secretary Of State Parade(14 of68)
Open Image Modal
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is trailed by staff and security while departing a meeting with members of the U.S Senate on the proposed deal with Iran at the U.S. Capitol on April 14, 2015. Kerry met with members of the House and Senate to discuss the ongoing Iran nuclear negotiations. (credit:Win McNamee via Getty Images)
Harry Reid's Retirement(15 of68)
Open Image Modal
A large abstract painting of Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada is visible on a wall next to a stuffed eagle in his office on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 27, 2015. Reid recently announced he will not seek re-election to another term. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
McCain Applauds(16 of68)
Open Image Modal
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) applauds the final comments from fellow committee member, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), as they conclude a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 26, 2015, to discuss the situation in Yemen. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) is at right. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ben Affleck(17 of68)
Open Image Modal
Actor, filmmaker and founder of the Eastern Congo Initiative Ben Affleck testifies before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs hearing on "Diplomacy, Development, and National Security" on March 26, 2015. His wife, Jennifer Garner, looks on. (credit:Paul Morigi/WireImage via Getty Images)
Bill Gates(18 of68)
Open Image Modal
Bill Gates testifies during the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs hearing on "Diplomacy, Development, and National Security" on March 26, 2015. (credit:Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Twin Tears(19 of68)
Open Image Modal
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus, left, and Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) wipe away tears after listening to the remarks of Nicklaus' son Jack Nicklaus II during the elder Nicklaus' Congressional Gold Medal ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on March 24, 2015. Nicklaus was lauded by family, friends and politicians for his many sports achievements and his philanthropy. (credit:Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
Affordable Care Act Anniversary(20 of68)
Open Image Modal
House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) lead the way down the House steps for the House Democratic Caucus media event to mark the fifth anniversary of President Barack Obama signing into law the Affordable Care Act on March 24, 2015. (credit:Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Meerkat In The House(21 of68)
Open Image Modal
Conference aide SoRelle Wyckoff films a news conference in the Capitol after a meeting of the House Republican Conference using the live streaming app Meerkat on March 24, 2015. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Congressional Gold Medal(22 of68)
Open Image Modal
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus, center, is presented the Congressional Gold Medal by, from left, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) in the Capitol Rotunda on March 24, 2015. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Secret Service Talks To Congress(23 of68)
Open Image Modal
Joseph Clancy, director of the U.S. Secret Service, testifies during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in on March 19, 2015. (credit:Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)
Spring Cleaning(24 of68)
Open Image Modal
Code Pink peace activists discuss a letter to Iran's leaders written by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) outside his office in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2015. The group organized a "spring cleaning of Congress." (credit:Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)
Supreme Women(25 of68)
Open Image Modal
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) right, prepares to take a picture in her Capitol office with Supreme Court Justices, from left, Elena Kagan, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor, before a reception on March 18, 2015. The justices were in the Capitol to be honored at Pelosi's annual Women's History Month reception in Statuary Hall. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
When Irish Ties Are Smilin'(26 of68)
Open Image Modal
From left: Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio), President Barack Obama (D) and Irish Prime Minister Taoiseach Enda Kenny depart the annual Friends of Ireland luncheon on Capitol Hill on St. Patrick's Day 2015. (credit:Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images)
Colonial Visit For Marijuana(27 of68)
Open Image Modal
Dressed in colonial garb, Adam Eidinger and fellow D.C. marijuana advocates visit the office staff of Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on March 17, 2015, to protest the congressman's stand in regard to legalized marijuana in the District of Columbia. Legislative Director Amber Kirby Talley receives a pipe from Eidinger. (credit:Astrid Riecken for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Goldendoodle(28 of68)
Open Image Modal
Shawna Blair, of the Senate Periodical Press Gallery, holds her dog George Clooney, a 4-month-old Goldendoodle, for Kate Hunter of Bloomberg News to pet in the Capitol's Senate Press Gallery on March 13, 2015. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Code Pink(29 of68)
Open Image Modal
Protesters from Code Pink hold up signs as Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Ashton Carter arrive to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Capitol Hill on March 11, 2015. (credit:Mark Wilson via Getty Images)
Cruz Waves(30 of68)
Open Image Modal
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) speaks during the International Association of Fire Fighters Presidential Forum at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill on March 10, 2015. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Warren Talks(31 of68)
Open Image Modal
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) speaks during the International Association of Fire Fighters Legislative Conference General Session at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill on March 9, 2015. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Speaking On Gun Control(32 of68)
Open Image Modal
Former astronaut Mark Kelly, husband of former congresswoman and handgun violence survivor Gabby Giffords, is joined by Reps. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Bob Dold (R-Ill.), Elizabeth Esty (D-Conn.) and Kathleen Rice (D-N.Y.) for a news conference about background checks for gun purchases in the Canon House Office Building on March 4, 2015. (credit:Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
Selfie Time(33 of68)
Open Image Modal
Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.), shoots a video selfie as he heads to the House floor for votes on March 4, 2015. (credit:Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Giffords' Voice(34 of68)
Open Image Modal
Former Congresswoman and handgun violence survivor Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.) speaks during a news conference about background checks for gun purchases at the Canon House Office Building on Capitol Hill on March 4, 2015. (credit:Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
Netanyahu Speaks(35 of68)
Open Image Modal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waves as he steps to the lectern prior to speaking before a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 3, 2015. House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, left, and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) applaud. (credit:Andrew Harnik/Associated Press)
Netanyahu Speaks(36 of68)
Open Image Modal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waves after speaking before a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 3, 2015. (credit:J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press)
Twinning(37 of68)
Open Image Modal
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) chuckles as she starts a news conference by donning dark glasses, a teasingly sympathetic gesture to Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) as he recovers from a serious injury to his right eye, suffered while exercising at his Nevada home during the holidays. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (credit:J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press)
Smooch(38 of68)
Open Image Modal
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) responds to reporters about the impasse over passing the Homeland Security budget because of Republican efforts to block President Barack Obama's executive actions on immigration on Feb. 26, 2015, during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. (credit:J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press)
Code Pink Targets Kerry(39 of68)
Open Image Modal
Code Pink protesters hold up a sign as Secretary of State John Kerry arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington on Feb. 25, 2015, to testify before a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing. (credit:Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press)
Cool Shades(40 of68)
Open Image Modal
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) (left) speaks as Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) listens during a news briefing after the weekly Senate Democratic Policy Luncheon on Feb. 24, 2015. Reid was wearing glasses following a recent eye surgery. (credit:Alex Wong via Getty Images)
Space Socks(41 of68)
Open Image Modal
The socks of former NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin are shown as he testifies before the Senate Space, Science, and Competitiveness Subcommittee on Capitol Hill on Feb. 24, 2015. (credit:Win McNamee via Getty Images)
Kerry Plots(42 of68)
Open Image Modal
Secretary of State John Kerry appears before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs on Feb. 24, 2015, to talk about fiscal year 2016 funding for the State Department. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Liberace In Washington(43 of68)
Open Image Modal
A cardboard cutout of Las Vegas star Liberace stands outside the office of Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) in the Cannon House Office Building on Feb. 18, 2015. (credit:Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Workers Rally(44 of68)
Open Image Modal
Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) attends a rally with labor groups, including the American Federation of Government Employees, in Upper Senate Park to support federal workers and the working class, on Feb. 10, 2015. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Senate Laughter(45 of68)
Open Image Modal
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) (3rd L) laughs as he talks to (L-R) Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) before a news conference on currency and trade Feb. 10, 2015, on Capitol Hill. (credit:Alex Wong via Getty Images)
Carrying Reagan Through The Capitol(46 of68)
Open Image Modal
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) walks through the basement of the Capitol with a painting of former President Ronald Reagan by artist Steve Penley on Feb. 11, 2015. The painting will be added to Issa's collection of Reagan memorabilia. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Sad Speaker(47 of68)
Open Image Modal
Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) holds his weekly press conference in the Capitol on Feb. 5, 2015. (credit:Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Group Hug(48 of68)
Open Image Modal
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) gives a group hug to students from the Richard Wright Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., during his National School Choice Forum in the Hart Senate Office Building on Feb. 9, 2015. (credit:Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Ukraine In Washington(49 of68)
Open Image Modal
Patriarch Filaret, head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyivan Patriarchate, speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 5, 2015. Delegates from the Ukrainian Parliament joined members of the House of Representatives to appeal for lethal military aid from the U.S. (credit:Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)
Back On The Hill(50 of68)
Open Image Modal
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) speaks to the media as Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) listens, following the Senate Democrats' policy lunch on Feb. 3, 2015. (credit:Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
CodePink(51 of68)
Open Image Modal
The protest group CodePink disrupts a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, carrying banners calling former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger a "war criminal" as he and fellow former Secretary of States George Shultz and Madeleine Albright were set to testify on U.S. national security on Capitol Hill on Jan. 29, 2015. (credit:Andrew Harnik/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Democratic Retreat(52 of68)
Open Image Modal
Naomi Sherman, 4, right, along with her father, Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.); mother, Lisa; and sisters, Lucy, 2, and Molly, 5, prepares to board a bus that will take House Democrats and their families to a retreat in Philadelphia on Jan. 28, 2015. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Did You See That?(53 of68)
Open Image Modal
Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), left, and Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) talk before a news conference in the Capitol's Senate studio to "respond to the Obama administration's efforts to lock up millions of acres of the nation's richest oil and natural gas prospects on the Arctic coastal plain and move to block development of Alaska's offshore resources" on Jan. 26, 2015. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
That's A Big Hammer(54 of68)
Open Image Modal
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), left, reacts as Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) brings out a giant gavel while making remarks during an executive business meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 22, 2015. Leahy ceremonially passed the gavel to Grassley who has taken up the chairmanship after the Republicans won the majority in the Senate. (credit:Alex Wong via Getty Images)
State Of The Union Excitement(55 of68)
Open Image Modal
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) speaks with Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) as senators arrive for President Barack Obama's State of the Union address in the Capitol on Jan. 20, 2015. (credit:Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
SOTU Selfie(56 of68)
Open Image Modal
Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) takes a selfie with Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) as Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) sits nearby before President Barack Obama's State of the Union address on Jan. 20, 2015. (credit:Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Hello, Mr. President(57 of68)
Open Image Modal
President Barack Obama, bottom right, is greeted by Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), center, as he arrives to deliver the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Jan. 20, 2015. (credit:Pete Marovich/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Making His Point(58 of68)
Open Image Modal
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) holds a news conference on the budget on Jan. 16, 2015. (credit:Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Searching The Senator(59 of68)
Open Image Modal
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and his wife, Laura, have their luggage inspected by a police dog before boarding a bus that will take Republican senators to a retreat in Hershey, Pa., January 14, 2015. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Retreating From Capitol Hill(60 of68)
Open Image Modal
Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) walks by immigration protesters on his way to one of the buses outside the Rayburn House Office Building as House Republicans prepare to head to Hershey, Pa., for their retreat with Senate Republicans on Jan. 14, 2015. (credit:Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Just A Joke(61 of68)
Open Image Modal
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) fools around with colleagues upon arriving for a news conference on Guantanamo detainees in the Senate studio on Jan. 13, 2015. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Oh Boy!(62 of68)
Open Image Modal
Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill on Jan. 13, 2015. House Democrats spoke about U.S. President Barack Obama's executive actions on immigration. (credit:Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)
Paying Off The Bet(63 of68)
Open Image Modal
From left, Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) make symbols that spell "Ohio" on Jan. 13, 2015, as the result of a football bet. Ohio State beat the University of Oregon 42-20 in the NCAA national football championship. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Frustration(64 of68)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Cleanliness(65 of68)
Open Image Modal
Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) sanitizes his hands while talking on his cell phone outside the Mansfield Room in the Capitol on Jan. 8, 2015. (credit:Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Hats In The Hallways(66 of68)
Open Image Modal
Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) walks with her family through the Will Rogers Hallway after the swearing-in of the 114th Congress on the House floor on Jan. 6, 2015. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Baby Face(67 of68)
Open Image Modal
Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) holds Andrea Elena Castro, daughter of Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), second from right, before the 114th Congress was sworn in on the House floor of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2015. (credit:Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Snowy First Day(68 of68)
Open Image Modal
Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) leaves a church service on Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2015, the first day of the 114th Congress. (credit:Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)