# A crash course in becoming a member of Congress: Veterans, doctors, farmers, firefighters, and musicians learn on the job in Washington

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/a-crash-course-in-becoming-a-member-of-congress-veterans-doctors-farmers-firefighters-and-musicians-learn-on-the-job-in-washington/
- Published: 2026-11-12T10:21:07+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T11:36:04+00:00
- Original publisher: El País (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-11-12/a-crash-course-in-becoming-a-member-of-congress-veterans-doctors-farmers-firefighters-and-musicians-learn-on-the-job-in-washington.html
- Topics: Elections, Entertainment, Government, Music, Politics, World

## Key points

- More than 100 lawmakers are learning the ropes in Washington.
- This is the largest orientation cohort since 1933.
- Democrats are preparing to take control of both chambers.

## Summary

More than 100 newly elected lawmakers are attending an orientation in Washington before taking office, learning how to set up their offices and navigate Congress. The unusually large intake comes as Democrats prepare to take control of both chambers after a strong midterm result, giving the new members a role in shaping the party’s agenda.

The orientation runs through 18 November and includes briefings, seminars, team-building and office selection. This year’s cohort is the largest since 1933 and includes veterans, doctors, farmers, firefighters and musicians. Democrats are projected to win more than 250 of the House’s 435 seats and gained at least seven Senate seats, though results in Alaska and Mississippi remain unresolved.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.