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Word on the Hill: Capitol Artwork Wrapped

Former congresswoman joins NYU, and conservative senators get ranked

Paintings have been wrapped on the Senate side of the Capitol during testing of a new smoke control system. (Niels Lesniewski/CQ Roll Call)
Paintings have been wrapped on the Senate side of the Capitol during testing of a new smoke control system. (Niels Lesniewski/CQ Roll Call)

You may have noticed that some paintings and busts around the Capitol are covered in a plastic wrapping.

The artwork located in the corridors and grand stairwells of the Capitol are all covered for their protection during the testing of the new smoke control system

The testing will take place only when the Senate and House are not in session. The Architect of the Capitol’s office has not yet designated an end date for the work.

How conservative is conservative

The American Conservative Union Foundation annually ranks members of Congress for their commitment to conservative values, based on their voting records. The top conservative senators for 2016 include Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Michael D. Crapo, R-Idaho, Steve Daines, R-Mont., James Lankford, R-Okla., Mike Lee, R-Utah, David Perdue, R-Ga., Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Ben Sasse, R-Neb., Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Patrick J. Toomey, R-Pa. The group also listed House members. See the full report here.

Edwards to NYU

Former Rep. Donna Edwards, D-Md., has joined the Brennan Center for Justice at the NYU School of Law as a senior fellow. She will be based in Washington. Edwards vacated her 5th District seat last year for an unsuccessful Senate run. 

Happening today …

Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association networking reception, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Art and Soul, 415 New Jersey Ave. NW. RSVP: membership@ptnpa.org.

The American Association for Cancer Research, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Association of American Cancer Institutes’ reception recognizing cancer research, 6 to 7 p.m., Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2060. RSVP: kristin.palmer@asco.org.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month

From left to right: Reps. <a class=
From left to right: Reps. Donald M. Payne Jr. of New Jersey, Alma Adams of North Carolina, Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, John Lewis of Georgia, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Frederica Wilson of Florida gather at the steps of the Capitol on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy Payne’s office)

Members of Congress gathered on the steps of the Capitol on Tuesday to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month and help fight the stigma of mental illness. The lawmakers wore green or green ribbons, the color that represents mental health awareness. Nationwide, roughly 1 in 5 adults have a mental health condition, but less than half receive treatment.

Save the date

Horton’s Kids, a nonprofit that serves children living in D.C.’s most at-risk neighborhoods, is hosting the ninth annual Home Runs for Horton’s Kids at Nationals Park on June 21. Check out how to purchase tickets.

Van Hollen applauds Kimmel

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., was one of many lawmakers applauding comedian Jimmy Kimmel after the ABC late-night host spoke of his newborn son’s heart defect in an emotional monologue Monday night.

Happy birthday to …

Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, 74.

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., 68.

What’s going on?

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

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