Word on the Hill: Love Is in the Air

By Alex Gangitano

Posted February 14, 2017 at 5:00am

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Snap a photograph and tweet @HeardontheHill or email HOH@rollcall.com if you see anyone around Capitol Hill receiving a Valentine’s Day gift.

Let us know what you and your office are up to around Capitol Hill to celebrate.

Tomorrow morning, you can see actor Ashton Kutcher on the Hill.

The “That ’70s Show” star will be testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about U.S. efforts to end modern slavery. Kutcher is a co-founder of Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children, an organization which works to combat human trafficking. Look out for HOH’s coverage. (10 a.m., Dirksen 419)

Puppies in Rayburn

The best Capitol Hill Valentine’s Day tradition is here. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is hosting its annual “Paws for Love” adoption event. Play with puppies and cats, and consider adopting one. (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Rayburn Foyer)

Reps. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., and Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., co-chairmen of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, are expected to attend, as well as former Sens. Bob Dole and Elizabeth Dole.

Friends of national service

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle will be honored by Voices for National Service for their leadership in government at the Friends of National Service Awards in Union Station’s East Hall at 6:30 p.m.

Awardees include Sens. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Reps. Tom Cole, R-Okla., John B. Larson, D-Conn., Martha E. McSally, R-Ariz., Seth Moulton, D-Mass., David E. Price, D-N.C., and Will Hurd, R-Texas.

Staffer shuffle

Renee Hudson is the new chief of staff to Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president. Hudson was previously Rep. Todd Rokita’s, R-Ind., chief of staff. Mark Cruz takes over for Hudson. He was formerly legislative director and deputy chief of staff. Parker Reynolds is the new legislative director; he was formerly senior legislative assistant.

ICYMI: Rep. Hollingsworth announces baby on the way

Freshman Rep. Trey Hollingsworth, R-Ind., announced last Sunday that he and his wife, Kelly, are expecting their first child, by posting a sonogram image on Twitter. The baby is due in July.

Come July 2017, #IN09 will gain at least one new constituent. Kelly & I are overjoyed to announce that we’re expecting our first child! pic.twitter.com/WhC0CQxxOX

— Trey Hollingsworth (@VoteForTrey) February 13, 2017