More than 100 new members of Congress arrive in Washington for orientation

More than 100 newly elected members of Congress arrived in Washington this week for the start of freshmen orientation. The group includes new Democrats energized by their party's midterm sweep and a smaller class of freshmen Republicans.

Luke Bronin of Connecticut arrived on Sunday and joined colleagues touring the House chamber, hearing from party leaders, and attending receptions. He will be the only new member of Connecticut's all-Democratic delegation entering Congress next year.

“People were just looking for somebody who's going to listen to them.”

Monday marked the start of a 10-day crash-course orientation in procedure and unwritten rules for new legislators. Members learned how to staff and run an office while navigating the Capitol complex.

Orientation also includes training sessions and receptions for newcomers, while departing lawmakers begin clearing out. Briefing rooms provide information on office setup, payroll, and benefits, with a room available for official portraits.

The House and Senate will hold internal party elections for new leaders this week, ahead of a public January vote for speaker of the House. Lawmakers will be sworn into the 120th Congress on Jan. 3.

LaKesha Womack said voters wanted someone who would listen to them, noting her $56,000 campaign budget. Brian Poindexter said he looked forward to learning as much as possible to best represent his district.

The orientation creates a mash-up on Capitol Hill as newcomers arrive and exiting lawmakers prepare for the peaceful transfer of power on Jan. 3.