The period between the November election and the start of the new Congress every two years is the busiest for Congress reporters. During this time, reporters try to determine election outcomes while the existing Congress works to prevent a government shutdown and deal with major legislation. Leadership elections also take place, such as Sen. John Thune succeeding Mitch McConnell as Senate Minority Leader. The time leading up to the new Congress involves intense learning, studying, and memorizing the faces and biographies of incoming lawmakers.
Learning about the incoming lawmakers intensifies during the holidays in preparation for the start of the new Congress on January 3. Senators like Andy Kim and Adam Schiff are prominent figures who transitioned to the Senate. High-profile newcomers like Bernie Moreno, Tim Sheehy, and Dave McCormick are also noted for running competitive races. The most challenging part of learning is about the new House members, as the House has 435 representatives. While some new legislators are more recognizable, many are relatively unknown, making it difficult to differentiate them.
The process involves memorizing the incoming freshman class while juggling other responsibilities. It is a time-consuming task that requires dedication and focus. Meeting the new members in person makes it easier to memorize them, allowing for better recognition later on. As former members return, it adds another layer of complexity to the learning process. Delegates like Kimberlyn King-Hinds also make up the incoming freshman class, each bringing their unique characteristics to stand out among the crowded group of representatives.
One of the challenges of learning about new lawmakers is mastering the pronunciation of their names. Some names are more complicated than others, requiring extra effort to get them right. Quizzes and exercises help in the learning and memorization process, as does observing and interacting with the legislators in various settings. The true testament to learning the members of Congress comes from observing how they vote and perform as part of the legislative body, demonstrating their values and priorities through their actions on the floor and in hearings.
The process of learning about the new members involves constant repetition and exercise, considering the large number of representatives to remember. While some new legislators are well-known figures from competitive races, others are more obscure and require additional effort to distinguish. Interacting with the members in person offers a better chance of memorizing them, as seeing them in different settings helps solidify their identities. Pronunciation quizzes and exercises with colleagues help reinforce the learning process and ensure accuracy in recognizing the new lawmakers.
Getting to know the incoming freshman class involves dedication, focus, and interaction in various settings with the legislators. As the new Congress begins, the learning continues as the representatives start conducting their duties and serving their constituents. The process of learning about new members is ongoing and dynamic, with opportunities to observe, engage, and interact with them to gain a better understanding of their roles and positions within Congress. Through active engagement and observation, the task of memorizing the faces and names of the new lawmakers becomes more manageable and rewarding.
