The Hearing So Far

John Berry's confirmation hearing has barely gotten under way, but Sens. Daniel Akaka and George Voinovich, the only Senators in attendance at the hearing (other than Ben Cardin, who testified in support of Berry), have had to run off to take a couple of votes. Thus far, the hearing has a fairly relaxed, jocular tone. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer showed up and joked that he was wondering if everyone in the packed hearing room was here to testify against Berry, to huge laughs. Akaka accidentally called Hoyer "Mr. Maryland." Berry introduced his partner, Curtis Yee, who is from Honolulu, which Akaka seems to enjoy as a nod to his home state. There's been so much laughter that Akaka actually noted the mood in his opening statement, saying "It is obvious this is a joyous moment for all of you today."