Sen. Tina Smith, Rep. Lisa McClain to headline annual Congressional Dinner

Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) are poised to let the political punchlines loose at the Washington Press Club Foundation’s (WPCF) annual Congressional Dinner — the two lawmakers have just been named the gala’s headliners.

The organization announced Wednesday that the bipartisan duo will deliver remarks at the Jan. 31 dinner in Washington. Punchbowl News was first to report the lawmakers had been selected for the high-profile role.

The annual Congressional Dinner is known for its roast-like atmosphere, where across-the-aisle zingers are thrown freely.

“As part of the event’s bipartisan tradition, the congressional keynote speakers will share their take on Capitol Hill life before a sold-out audience of journalists and their congressional guests,” a statement from the WPCF said.

The WPCF dubbed the event a “lighthearted evening in the spirit of promoting women and minorities in newsrooms across the nation.”

Longtime political reporter Janet Hook will be honored at the 78th annual dinner with the WPCF’s lifetime achievement award.