“Fresh Faces, Formal Politics: The Challenges and Triumphs of Newcomers in Congress”

**The Busy Time to Cover Congress: A Journalist’s Guide to the New Class**

Every two years, the period between the November election and the start of the new Congress is often the busiest time to cover Congress. Journalists are trying to figure out who won the election and who lost. The existing Congress rallied to try to prevent the shutdown and often struggled to pass other major legislation. There are frequent leadership elections, making it a challenging time for journalists to keep up.

As a journalist, managing time is crucial during this period. With so much going on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. New lawmakers need to be learned, and the learning process can be difficult, especially for those who aren’t familiar with the names and faces of the incoming legislators.

**Meeting the New Class**

Meeting the new lawmakers is essential to understanding their backgrounds and personalities. This can be a daunting task, especially for those who aren’t familiar with the House of Representatives, which has 435 members. Meeting as many new students as possible is crucial, but it’s also important to prioritize and focus on those who stand out.

**Representative Victoria Spaatz’s Challenge**

Representative Victoria Spaatz, a freshman Republican from Ohio, has already made a name for herself in Washington. During her swearing-in ceremony, she asked Speaker Mike Johnson to “promise he won’t sell us out to the swamp.” This comment highlights the challenges faced by new lawmakers, who must navigate the complexities of Congress and work to achieve their goals.

**Time-Management Tips**

As a journalist covering the new class, managing time is crucial. Here are some tips to help:

1. Prioritize: Focus on those who stand out or have made significant contributions to their campaigns.
2. Research: Study the names and faces of the new lawmakers to learn more about their backgrounds and personalities.
3. Networking: Attend meet-and-greets, swearing-in ceremonies, and other events to meet the new lawmakers in person.
4. Observation: Watch the new lawmakers in action, observing their votes and performance on the floor.

**Challenges of Learning the New Class**

Learning the new class is a challenging process. Some lawmakers have competed in competitive elections, while others are relatively unknown. Differentiating between the two can be difficult, especially for those who aren’t familiar with the names and faces of the incoming legislators.

**FAQs**

Q: How do journalists learn the new class of lawmakers?
A: Journalists can learn the new class by attending meet-and-greets, swearing-in ceremonies, and other events to meet the new lawmakers in person. They can also study the names and faces of the new lawmakers to learn more about their backgrounds and personalities.

Q: What are some tips for managing time during the busy period?
A: Prioritize, research, network, and observe the new lawmakers to gather information and learn more about their backgrounds and personalities.

Q: What are some challenges of learning the new class?
A: Differentiating between lawmakers who have competed in competitive elections and those who are relatively unknown can be difficult.

**Conclusion**

The start of the new Congress is an exciting time for journalists and lawmakers alike. With so much going on, managing time is crucial to keep up with the latest developments. By prioritizing, researching, networking, and observing the new lawmakers, journalists can learn more about their backgrounds and personalities and provide valuable coverage of the new class.