Sen. Ben Sasse’s Twitter rants get even better when staffers get involved.

On Wednesday, the Nebraska Republican went off on House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

Leader Pelosi just claimed that “checks and balances” are code words.

Nope. They are near the heart of the Constitution… https://t.co/fwIj8114S0

— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) October 19, 2016

In a news release, Sasse said he was responding to her “assertion at a press conference on Wednesday that ‘checks and balances’ is merely Republican ‘code’ for ‘obstruction.’”

Pelosi’s deputy chief of staff Drew Hammill defended his boss and tweeted, “It’s hard to take you seriously today, Senator” in response to a tweet from Sasse that read, “WHY WOULD YOU EAT FLAN?!?!?!”

It’s hard to take you seriously today, Senator. https://t.co/dRxWDEpHcO

— Drew Hammill (@Drew_Hammill) October 19, 2016

To be fair, that’s a good question, Senator.

But, Sasse’s trusty communications director, James Wegmann, came to his defense and tweeted his opinion of Hammill.

Doesn’t get jokes or constitution ===> https://t.co/JhWupFUFNR

— James Wegmann (@jameswegmann) October 19, 2016

Dole for the dogs

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is awarding former Republican Sen. Bob Dole, a longtime pet fanatic, its Presidential Service Award. The ASPCA’s annual Humane Awards Luncheon takes place in November in New York, where Dole will get his award.

“Since his retirement from politics in 1996, the 93-year-old Dole has remained active in animal welfare causes,” the group said in a news release. “For a lifetime of compassion that has made a difference in countless animal lives, Sen. Bob Dole is the recipient of the 2016 ASPCA Presidential Service Award.”

Members over recess

Retiring Sen. Dan Coats, R-Ind., visited the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, Indiana, and the center was so excited to have him that they made a hashtag: #CoatsVisitsCrane.

Captain Elder and Dr. Brett Seidle welcome @SenDanCoats to Crane. Honored to have him here today. #CoatsVisitsCrane pic.twitter.com/hGrqJRw54h

— NSWC Crane (@NAVSEACrane) October 19, 2016

Trying out a new ride at @NAVSEACrane pic.twitter.com/KyAPX9KFw1

— Senator Dan Coats (@SenDanCoats) October 19, 2016

Happy Halloween from the Caps

Washington Capitals player Nate Schmidt teamed up with the National Confectioners Association to wish D.C. a Happy Halloween.

Happy #Halloween2016 to @NateSchmidt29 of the @Capitals! #AlwaysATreat #CapitalsTalk #Capitals pic.twitter.com/67TcqBMmGn

— CandyUSA (@CandyUSA) October 19, 2016

Happy Birthday to…

Democratic Senators from opposite sides of the country are celebrating today: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., 61, and Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, 44.

Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., 61.

Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, 51.

What’s going on?

Have any tips, announcements or Hill happenings? Send them to AlexGangitano@cqrollcall.com.