While mere mortals are forced to wait in line at the airport, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) has joined an elite club of guinea pigs who can get their eyes scanned instead of showing identification — and circumvent the hordes of weary travelers juggling their carry-on luggage, driver’s license and boarding pass.

Nunes was one of roughly 3,000 participants chosen to take part in a test of “biometric identifiers” at Reagan National Airport, where the congressman departs from, as well as airports in Los Angeles, Boston, Houston and Minneapolis.

The identifiers, which resemble ATMs and scan travelers’ irises before permitting passengers to proceed to their gates, will be made available to the public later this year.

Some senators just feel more at ease on the House side

Over the years, many House lawmakers have tackled statewide races and earned the more majestic title of senator. But it seems some senators who were once in the House still prefer to hang with their old House mates.

For example, Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and John Sununu (R-N.H.) are often seen in the House chamber spending time with their old friends. “Sununu is here all the time,” a Capitol employee said. “I can understand it because Sununu is young.” Burr was recently spotted in the House chamber looking at home sitting down with his legs crossed. Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) was seen visiting with House members in the chamber last week.

On the flip side, some senators who formerly served in the House and wouldn’t think of spending extended time on the House side include Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Rep. Norwood recovering nicely from lung transplant

As of late, Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-Ga.) has been using a three-wheel scooter to travel to and from votes as well as his apartment. He also makes use of oxygen that he carries with him at all times.

Last October, the sixth-term lawmaker had a lung transplant, and ever since he has had to watch his health. He is expected to be off the scooter and oxygen within a year.

John Stone, Norwood’s spokesman, said Norwood doesn’t need the oxygen constantly but has to have it available to him. Despite his health situation, Stone said, Norwood is hard at work, voting and attending all his committee hearings. “He’s one of the most interesting members to watch in committee hearings,” said Stone. “He’s back in rare form going after folks.”

Norwood isn’t the only lawmaker to have had a lung transplant. Rep. Floyd Spence (R-S.C.) had a double lung transplant and went on to serve 13 years in the House before he died in 2001.

Former Sen. Bill Bradley’s wife publishes memoir

The memoir of Ernestine Bradley, titled The Way Home and published by Pantheon Books, will be available at bookstores March 1. In it, the wife of former Sen. Bill Bradley (D-N.J.), addresses how she became a “successful” political wife.

For much of the memoir, Ernestine Bradley, who wrote it without the help of a ghostwriter, tells the story of her childhood in Germany in the Nazi era and the aftermath of World War II. The book also discusses her breast cancer and time spent on the campaign trail with her husband.

Lawmaker captures attention in red leather

Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-Calif.) raised some eyebrows last week with a chic ensemble of a bright-red leather pantsuit and open-toe red heels. Many liked it, while others couldn’t believe she had worn it to work. No matter — it’s clear Millender-McDonald is unafraid to dress as she pleases.

As it turns out, this is her customary Valentine’s Day outfit. She has worn it for the past two years. Since Congress was not in session Monday, the congresswoman wore it Thursday, the last workday before the holiday.

Edited by Betsy Rothstein
Tips, complaints and sightings: Betsyr@
thehill.com
Peter Savodnik contributed to this report.