2012: The Year in Washington, D.C. (83 images)

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder kisses Sharon Donnelly, the mother of slain UVA lacrosse mother Yeardley Love who was killed by her boyfriend, at an event highlighting the need to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. on April 18, 2012. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

A proponent to Arizona's controversial immigration law, SB 1070, protests in front of the U.S. Supreme Court as the court hears oral arguments on the constitutionality of the law, in Washington, D.C. on April 25, 2012. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

Vice President Joe Biden (R) greets U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder at an event highlighting the need to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. on April 18, 2012. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda (L) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on April 30, 2012. The two leaders will be discussing trade and military issues. UPI/Olivier Douliery/Pool