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Word on the Hill: Have You Seen ‘Hidden Figures’?

It’s been a big week for Xavier Becerra

Actress Taraji P. Henson plays Katherine Johnson in the film “Hidden Figures.” (Courtesy 20th Century Fox)
Actress Taraji P. Henson plays Katherine Johnson in the film “Hidden Figures.” (Courtesy 20th Century Fox)

A special screening of “Hidden Figures” is today, hosted by the National Women’s History Museum and the Motion Picture Association of America.

Slated to attend is special guest Joylette Hylick, the daughter of NASA space scientist and mathematician Katherine Johnson, the new movie’s central character. Johnson has been honored by NASA with a building at the Langley Research Center named in her honor. Actress Taraji P. Henson portrays her in the movie, which was nominated for three Academy Awards on Tuesday. 

There will be a discussion of the film after its showing at MPAA’s headquarters (1600 Eye St. NW), at 6 p.m., but the event is at capacity and closed.

Byrd’s exhibit now traveling

The Robert C. Byrd Center traveling exhibit has been on Capitol Hill twice and this week, the display started to move around West Virginia to honor its late senator. Through mid-May, stops in the Mountain State include Fairmont, Wheeling, Elkins, Williamson, Huntington and Bridgeport.

GOP retreat continues

House and Senate Republicans are on their retreat in Philadelphia. Look out for Roll Call’s coverage from our reporters on the ground.

Overheard

“They seem to be happy in a fact-free zone.”

— House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on the Trump administration.

“Anybody get a cheesesteak yet?”

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., to his colleagues at the GOP retreat in Philadelphia. 

Staffer guide

Heard on the Hill is releasing a guide for staffers to help navigate Capitol Hill, from getting that first job to learning how to make the most of your career. Over this week, we will be releasing profiles of staffers who can provide advice to those working on Capitol Hill and on Monday, look out for tips and how-tos for your career. Check out the first three profiles here.

Happy birthday to…

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., 52.

Rep. Albio Sires, D-N.J., 66.

Former Rep. Xavier Becerra, who this week was sworn in as California’s attorney general, turns 59.

What’s going on?

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

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