U.S. lawmakers face anthem challenge

WASHINGTON, May 9 (UPI) -- With a fuss about a Spanish "Star Spangled Banner," ABC News found mixed success while checking whether U.S. lawmakers can handle the song in English.

Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, and Rep. Gene Green, D-Texas, both easily passed the test, ABC reported, but many lawmakers begged off when asked to display their singing talents.

"I can probably sing it with a group," said Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala. "If I was in a group, I would sing it."

Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., gave the excuse that his singing voice was "not that good."

Rep. Robert Ney, R-Ohio, said he was busy talking to his wife on the phone while Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif., and Rep. Paul Gillmor, R-Ohio, both had other places to be, ABC said.

On the Senate side, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., both passed the test with flying colors.

Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., had to go to lunch and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, begged off due to a bad singing voice.

Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C., balked as well, saying, "I am like 61 percent of Americans. If I had to get up and recite the national anthem, I would fail miserably."