Congress
Rep.-elect Amanda McKinney, R-Wash., center, walks through the Capitol basement during the first day of new member orientation, Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, in Washington.
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More than 100 newly elected members of Congress are arriving in Washington this week for the start of freshmen orientation. There's a crush of new Democrats and the slim new class of freshmen Republicans. Many are bringing a new sense of urgency after the Democratic Party's sweep of the midterm elections. New-member orientation creates an unusual mash-up on Capitol Hill. The newcomers are arriving and the exiting lawmakers begin to clear out. There are briefing rooms set-up with all the details about setting up a new office and taking official portraits. It's all in preparation for the peaceful transfer of power on Jan. 3, when lawmakers are sworn in and the new Congress begins.
