A white soup bowl filled with white bean and smoked ham with broth.
Bean Soup with white beans and smoked ham served at the Members' Dining Room at US House of Representatives
  • The same simple bean soup has been served to members of Congress every day since 1903.
  • The white bean soup with ham hocks has just four ingredients and limited seasoning.
  • The basic dish has historical significance but is another example of why Congress needs an update. 

Senate Bean Soup — also called House Bean Soup, depending on which congressional kitchen you're eating from — has been a staple served to lawmakers and their guests every day in the halls of Congress for roughly 120 years.