BET Wire: New Year, New Congress

Pelosi and Boehner share an awkward moment.

In Case You Missed It - Republicans leave President Obama scratching his head; Ben Carson kind of blames the spread of measles on immigrants; one lawmaker thinks it's OK if your food service worker doesn't wash his hands after a bathroom break — and more. — Joyce Jones (@BETpolitichick)
Fifty Shades of Nay - After Ohio Rep. John Boehner was re-elected to a third term as House speaker, he leaned in to kiss Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi as she handed him the speaker's gavel. But instead of offering him her cheek, the California lawmaker seemed to recoil, setting off a series of tweets and jokes on cable news programs, many of which focused on Boehner's perpetually deep tan. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
It Was a Very Good Day - The first day of the 114th Congress was a very good one for Rep. John Conyers, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. With the retirement of fellow Michigan lawmaker John Dingell, Conyers is now the longest-serving member of the House and the chamber's new dean. He is the first African-American to serve in that role. Conyers, who first came to Congress in 1965, also is a former chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. On Jan. 6, a portrait of him that will hang in the committee room was unveiled. (Photo: Joyce Jones)A Record High - At its ceremonial swearing in, the Congressional Black Caucus boasted a record high 46 members, including Republican Rep. Mia Love. In his remarks, Rep. G.K. Butterfield, the group's new chairman, said, "My message to those across the country who are tired of business as usual, and to those who want to hold our country accountable, who are treating you with disrespect, I hear you. The CBC hears you. America hears you. The world hears you." In the 114th Congress, the caucus will focus on criminal justice, economic inequality, education and other issues. (Photo: Gabriella Demczuk/Getty Images)

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In Case You Missed It - If John Boehner's perpetual tan is fake, Nancy Pelosi doesn't want it rubbing off on her designer suits; President Obama lays the groundwork for his State of the Union address; Ben Carson is facing allegations of plagiarism; the CBC means business; and more. — Joyce Jones (@BETpolitichick) (Photo: BET)

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