Be careful! That could be a $5 bribe

Following the Democrats’ triumphant return to Washington in early January, Eli Hengst, the owner of Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar, offered a round of drinks to a few longtime customers who happened to be Democratic lawmakers. They paused uncomfortably, uncertain whether they could accept a $5 beer or $6 glass of wine, according to Hengst, who considers them friends.