Every two years, the timeframe between the November election and the start of the new Congress is typically the most hectic period for covering Congress.
Reporters are busy determining the election outcomes while the current Congress is working to avoid a government shutdown and pass significant legislation. There are also leadership elections, such as Sen. John Thune defeating Sen. John Cornyn and Rick Scott to become the new Senate Minority Leader.
Managing time is challenging during this period. The new Congress begins on January 3rd, so I spend this time learning about the incoming lawmakers.
It’s a time-consuming process to differentiate between new members, especially when it comes to learning their names and backgrounds.
REP. VICTORIA SPARTZ DEMANDS ‘ASSURANCES’ SPEAKER JOHNSON ‘WON’T SELL US OUT TO THE SWAMP’
Learning about the new House members is especially challenging due to the large number of representatives.
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 04: Democratic Senate candidate U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) speaks during a Get Out The Vote meet and greet at IATSE Local 80 on March 04, 2024, in Burbank, California. Rep. Schiff continues to campaign ahead of the March 5th Super Tuesday primary. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Over 60 new House members are set to join Congress, making the task of learning about all of them challenging.
My daily routine involves studying the new lawmakers while going through my workout. I review their names and faces multiple times, making sure I know each one.
Some members, like Rep.-elect Nick Begich III, are familiar names due to their family history in politics.
…
