The bond between Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) has lasted long beyond the year-end budget deal.
Now the pair has matching jerseys.
Murray presented Ryan with a signed jersey from Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson “as a token of her appreciation for his efforts during the Budget Conference Committee,” her office said.
“During budget negotiations, Sen. Murray and Congressman Ryan shared their love of football and admiration for Russell Wilson, a former Wisconsin Badger and current starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. In an interview with Meet the Press shortly after the budget agreement was announced, Murray and Ryan joked about how Wilson was a common line during budget negotiations,” Murray’s office noted.
Ryan’s team, the Green Bay Packers, were knocked out of the playoffs last weekend by the San Francisco 49ers.
Tomorrow, the Seahawks face the New Orleans Saints in a game that has ignited some heavy betting on the Hill. Murray and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) wagered Pike Place Pale Ale and oysters from Taylor Shellfish Farms against Sen. Mary Landrieu’s (D-La.) charbroiled oysters and Abita Amber beer.
“When we win, I look forward to celebrating a Saints victory with Maria and Patty and tasting Washington spoils, which I’m sorry, just do not compare to gulf oysters or beer brewed from the Abita Spring,” Landrieu said. “Washington oysters are seasoned with salt and rain while Louisiana oysters are covered in garlic, butter and greatness.”
Murray said she’s “looking forward to seeing how Louisiana’s well-seasoned seafood stacks up with the natural bounty of the Pacific Northwest.”
Ryan showed his appreciation for his budget negotiating partner by presenting Murray with Kringle and cheese.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member