Bipartisan Cheer: Senators Serenade Congress With Holiday Songs

WASHINGTON, DC — These days, it seems as if Congress can’t agree on much. This week, however, two U.S. senators showed that when it comes to Christmas, holiday cheer knows no party.

On Wednesday, retiring Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander took a seat at a piano and played Christmas carols for his fellow senators and other Capitol Hill staffers, many of whom have spent the week working to iron out details of a new, long-awaited coronavirus relief package.

Alexander’s colleagues were treated to an impromptu concert in the Hart Senate Office Building’s atrium. Alexander, a Republican, started off with “Winter Wonderland” and followed with other songs including “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Silent Night."

At one point, Alexander was joined by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia on the harmonica. Together, the pair played a rendition of “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”

The pair have played music together for years, according to multiple reports.

Alexander was quickly praised on social media by colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

“A real treat listening to @SenAlexander get us into the Christmas spirit,” Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana tweeted.

“As we work to finish the pandemic relief package retiring Tennessee senator (and excellent musician) ⁦@LamarAlexander⁩ plays Christmas carols for Senators and staff in the Hart building atrium,” Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar also tweeted.