Everybody wants a turn with Rep. Tammy Duckworth’s baby.  

The last time the Illinois Democrat’s six-month-old was seen in the Speaker’s Lobby, Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, D-Va., was showing her off to the congressional press corps and didn’t seem particularly inclined to give her back when Duckworth emerged from the chamber.  

On Wednesday, Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., was holding court with baby Abigail just off the House floor. Wearing a floral headband and a white sundress, Abigail appeared fussy in Dingell’s arms, though she paused in her whimpering to teethe on the congresswoman’s pearl bracelet and later on the edge of her voting card. Dingell’s fellow freshman, Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-N.Y., also wanted in on some Abigail time. As Dingell tried to soothe her, Rice tried to distract her with New York Post articles on her tablet.  

“How about George Clooney?” Rice asked. “Do you like George Clooney?”  

Apparently not. Abigail was still squirming and looking generally distressed, and Dingell left to take the baby for a walk a little ways down the Speaker’s Lobby.  

By the time Dingell and Rice reunited, it was time to bring the baby back to Mom.  

“You want to hold my hand?” Rice asked Abigail, slipping one adult-sized finger into the little girl’s tiny fist.  

Maybe Rice will get to hold her next time, unless Connolly calls dibs again.  

The 114th: CQ Roll Call’s Guide to the New Congress


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