House members take a few moments for April Fool’s

House members weren’t above telling April Fools Day jokes while fighting over the budget Wednesday

During a news conference touting the Democratic budget with former Washington Redskins quarterback Rep. Heath Shuler (N.C.) and four other House members, Rep. Joseph Crowley said, “We look like a football team.”

But Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) disagreed.

“One of us does,” Miller said. “The rest of us stayed at a Holiday Inn.”

At the beginning of the news conference, a reporter yelled out to Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), “Happy April Fools Day!” Hoyer paused for a second, then replied “Same to you!”

The press corps then waited for another quip, but Hoyer said, “I’m playing it straight.”

The best joke came from Republican Rep. Paul Ryan (Wis.) during a news conference unveiling the GOP budget alternative.

“Now, I want to do you all a favor,” Ryan told reporters. “I want to help those of you in the press. I’m here to make your lives better.”

The remark, delivered with a wry smile, prompted laughter. Ryan then launched into a refutation of Democratic talking points.