A number of Democratic Senators celebrated the passing of an eight-week funding bill by singing Christmas carols on the Senate floor late Wednesday night.
Sens Heitkamp, Warner, Donnelly, Coons, Smith, Hirono and Gillibrand broke into song, belting out such favorites as “Walking In a Winter [Wonder]Land,” “Go Tell It On the Mountain,” and “The Christmas Song,” according to Fox News’ Chad Pergram.
Sens Heitkamp, Warner, Donnelly, Coons, Smith, Hirono and Gillibrand continue singing Christmas carols on the flr. Now singing “Walking In a Winter Land.” Also performed “Go Tell It On the Mountian” and “The Christmas Song” made famous by Nat King Cole. And a rendition of Rudolph
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 20, 2018
They also reportedly sang “The First Noel,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “Silent Night,” “Rudolph,” “Oh, Come All Ye Faithful” and “O Holy Night.”
Hillary Clinton’s 2016 running mate, Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, got in on the action as well.
Meanwhile, a group of Senate Dems is singing ‘Hark the herald angels sing” on the Senator floor while this live quorum call is happening. @SenGillibrand, @timkaine, @SenatorHeitkamp all participating.
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) December 20, 2018
Bloomberg reporter Alex Ruoff explained the phenomenon, saying that “older people will sing if you compel them to remain in a confined space together.”
Tonight’s senate proceeding and the Christmas Chronicles taught me older people will sing if you compel them to remain in a confined space together.
— Alex Ruoff (@Alexruoff) December 20, 2018
One popular Christmas song was missing from their repertoire, however. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” has faced quite a bit of backlash recently — but it’s unclear whether the recent criticism is the reason why they opted not to sing it.