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A crash course in becoming a member of Congress: Veterans, doctors, farmers, firefighters, and musicians learn on the job in Washington
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.
In short
- 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.
Explained simply
Congress is the US national legislature, made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Members of the House serve two-year terms, while senators serve six-year terms; together, they debate and pass federal laws and approve government spending.
Lawmakers arrive with a range of careers and experience, but must learn how Congress works and how to run their offices. Each chamber has its own rules and leadership, and members work through committees as well as party groups to develop and consider legislation.
The party with more seats in a chamber has greater influence over its leadership and what business is brought forward, though it still needs enough votes to pass measures. Control of both chambers can therefore affect how readily a party can pursue its priorities.
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