Learning Curve: The new players in Congress

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The period between the November election and the start of the new Congress is always a busy time for journalists covering Capitol Hill. Reporters are busy determining who won and who lost, while the existing Congress is working to prevent a government shutdown and pass major legislation. Leadership elections are also taking place, such as Sen. John Thune’s victory over Sen. John Cornyn and Rick Scott to become the new Senate Minority Leader.

For journalists like myself, time management is crucial during this period. With so much happening, it’s essential to learn about the incoming lawmakers and familiarize myself with their faces and biographies. This can be a challenging task, especially with 62 new members joining the House.

Learning about the new members is like a daily workout routine for me. I go through the list of names and faces repeatedly, trying to memorize as much as possible. Some names are easier to remember than others, especially those who ran in competitive races or have a prominent political background.

Meeting the new members in person is also helpful in memorizing them. While attending orientation sessions and social events, I try to introduce myself and get to know the incoming lawmakers. It’s easier to remember someone when you’ve had a conversation with them.

Pronunciations can also be tricky, especially with names like Rep.-elect Suhas Subramanyam or Rep.-elect Abe Hamadeh. But with practice and repetition, I aim to get them right.

Learning about the delegates is another aspect of my job. Del.-elect Kimberlyn King-Hinds from the Northern Mariana Islands is a new face in Congress, and I look forward to meeting her. Some members, like Rep. Frederica Wilson with her signature cowboy hat, are easily recognizable.

Quizzing myself on the backgrounds of the new members and matching photos with names is a helpful exercise. It tests my knowledge and helps me identify areas where I need to improve.

Ultimately, the best way to learn about the members of Congress is by observing them in action. Watching how they vote, perform in hearings, and interact with their colleagues gives me valuable insights into who they are as lawmakers.

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