Top 10 Intriguing Fun Facts About the Senate: A Glimpse Inside the Chamber of Secrets

1. Hogwarts Express, D.C. Style

Next time you're on Capitol Hill, don't forget to ride the Hogwarts Express, D.C. style: The U.S. Capitol Complex boasts three underground electric people mover systems connecting the Capitol to Senate and House office buildings, complete with an automatic train added in 1993, offering tourists a chance to glide through the wizardly world of politics.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. Senate's Sacred Candy Desk

Sweet-tooth Senators unite, gathering around their sacred treasure chest, doling out delightful morsels to satisfy sugary cravings, and bring about a bit of bipartisan sweetness: The esteemed "candy desk," a longstanding Senate tradition since 1965, offers an ever-ready stockpile of candy for all members of the Senate, initiated by Senator George Murphy who initially used hard candy to ease his throat after vocal cord surgery. Nestled cozily on the Republican side, this hallowed chamber of treats resides in the last row, on the aisle, and by the busiest entrance, available to Democrats and Republicans alike to indulge in a sweet little secret.
Source => senate.gov

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=> Fun Facts about Congress

3. Ancient Roman Senators' Life-long Positions

In a move that would make the world's laziest campaign manager giggle with glee, ancient Roman senators could practically say "Hakuna Matata" to their constituents and sip margaritas for life: They were appointed by consuls or censors and held their positions for their entire existence, without any guaranteed hereditary succession in the mix.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

4. Senators' Desk Dance

In a game of musical chairs that would put kindergarten kids to shame, senators partake in a time-honored desk dance of decorum and delight: The Senate assigns desks based on seniority and state, allowing senators the option to change seats for practical reasons, including better views of the Chamber or sitting at a notable senator's previous spot.
Source => senate.gov

5. Filibustering Candy Hub

Amidst long-winded filibusters, senators have a license to thrill their taste buds at a clandestine candy hub: The Senate possesses a semi-secret "candy desk" where filibustering senators indulge in hard candies for a quick energy boost, and although frowned upon, some even rely on friends for discreet food deliveries – just no restroom breaks, please!
Source => rollcall.com

6. Senate's Secret Gym

Sweating out the partisanship, one squat at a time: The Senate's Russell Office Building houses a secret, members-only gym where senators gather at the crack of dawn to forge muscles and friendships, as well as occasionally negotiate legislation such as the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010.
Source => rollcall.com

7. Century-Long Bean Soup Tradition

In a bean-there-done-that twist of events, the Senate soups up its longstanding tradition of serving a leguminous lunch: the mysterious origin of their daily bean soup points to either Senator Fred Dubois, who allegedly laid down the menu mandate, or Senator Knute Nelson, who professed his passion for the dish back in 1903 - either way, it sure has bean a century-long sensation for lawmakers and visitors alike.
Source => senate.gov

8. Pre-17th Amendment Millionaires' Club

Ah, the good old days when the Senate was less about American Idol and more like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: prior to the 17th Amendment in 1913, U.S. Senators were appointed by state legislatures instead of being elected, which often led to the Senate being called a "millionaires' club" as powerful private interests used their influence in state legislatures to their advantage.
Source => archives.gov

9. Senator Turned TV Crimefighter

From Capitol Hill to the small screen, our lawmakers know how to dabble in crime-fighting fiction: Senator Fred Thompson not only represented Tennessee in the U.S. Senate, but also portrayed Manhattan District Attorney Arthur Branch on the hit TV series "Law & Order" for five seasons during his tenure.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

10. Free Candy for Senators

Whoever said there's no such thing as a free lunch must have never been to the U.S. Senate: since 1965, senators have had the privilege of dipping into the "Candy Desk" – a desk stocked with sweets by its incumbent, situated near the eastern door of the chamber and adjacent to the Capitol subway system's elevators. Past "Candy Desk" senators have included John McCain, Harrison Schmitt, and Rick Santorum, who famously filled it with Hershey's treats from his home state of Pennsylvania.
Source => en.wikipedia.org