Senate’s final week before midterms, captured in photos

The Senate’s final days before the break

The Senate ended its work Wednesday night, with members leaving Washington until after the November midterm elections. CQ Roll Call photojournalists Bill Clark and Tom Williams documented senators moving between votes, meetings and conversations with reporters during the chamber’s final week in session.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota spoke to reporters as he arrived at the Capitol on Monday to open the Senate. On Tuesday, Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford waited near an elevator after a vote, while Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders also talked with reporters.

Wednesday’s photographs show West Virginia Sen. Jim Justice and Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville talking during votes. Utah Sen. Mike Lee was photographed leaving the Senate floor, and Maine Sen. Susan Collins addressed reporters before the Senate Republicans’ lunch.

Smith hearing and scenes beyond the floor

Former special counsel John L. “Jack” Smith appeared Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee for an oversight hearing about his investigations and prosecutions of Donald Trump. Photographs show Smith taking his seat at the witness table and later testifying. Another image captures Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy holding a sign as Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt questioned Smith.

25 before its final reinstallation in the Hart Senate Office Building.

The week’s images also extended beyond Washington. At the Lexington Health Irmo Okra Strut Parade in Irmo, South Carolina, Rep. Joe Wilson posed for photographs with others, including a supporter wearing a hat and necklace made from okra.