Newly-Elected Members on Capitol Hill

Members-elect gather for the 115th Congress freshman class photo. The photo is traditionally taken before the start of each Congress on the stairs of the East Front of the Capitol. (Photo by Fred Schilling)

Members-elect gather for the 115th Congress freshman class photo. The photo is traditionally taken before the start of each Congress on the stairs of the East Front of the Capitol. (Photo by Fred Schilling)

The freshman class will be sworn in on January 3, 2017

They won their elections on November 8th and officially transitioned from candidates to Members-elect of the United States House of Representatives. One week after the election, more than 50 Members-elect traveled to Capitol Hill for New Member Orientation.

Before they are sworn in on January 3, 2017, these Members-elect must establish their Congressional District and Washington, D.C., offices and hire staff. All of this goes on while the Members-elect work with their colleagues in preparation for the legislative business of the 115th Congress.

One of the lighter moments during the first week of orientation is the freshman class photo. All Members-elect gather on the East Front of the Capitol for a class picture.

Members-elect will return to Washington, D.C. for their swearing-in and the start of the 115th Congress on January 3, 2017.