The Energy of Capitol Hill on January 3rd

January 3rd marked the first day of the 119th Congress, a historic day where the Capitol Hill halls were alive with energy, anticipation, and uncertainty. It was swearing-in day for new Members of Congress (MOCs), and the buzz was palpable, especially on the House side, where all eyes were on the floor for the vote to elect a new Speaker of the House.

Though the Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House, there was a lot of drama surrounding the Speaker vote. Despite the GOP's majority, Johnson failed to secure the necessary 218 votes during the first ballot, finishing shy by two votes. While the atmosphere in the House chambers was tense, the hallways outside had a very different vibe. They were packed with family members, constituents, staffers, and advocates, many of us hoping to catch a moment with returning or newly sworn-in Members.

Our team stopped by a few members' offices, where we introduced ourselves and got to know their staff. One of the standout visits was to Rep. Jasmine Crockett's office. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, more like a close-knit family gathering than a typical day at the office. Visitors were sitting around on couches, eyes glued to the television as the live Speaker vote unfolded.

Another notable stop was the office of Rep. Jamie Raskin. Known for his thoughtful leadership and strong advocacy on constitutional rights issues, Raskin's office was one of the most well-visited on the Hill. His reception area was buzzing with visitors, including the Governor of Maryland.

After the excitement of the House side, we made our way over to the Senate, which had a noticeably different energy. While the Senate chambers were quieter and more somber, the reception areas weren't lacking visitors. It was a more subdued atmosphere but still very welcoming. One of our stops was Senator Tammy Baldwin's office, where a calm, professional team greeted us. The quiet demeanor of the Senate was a reminder of the more institutional nature of the upper chamber, where deliberation often takes precedence over the more raucous energy of the House.

Overall, it was an unforgettable day on Capitol Hill, showcasing not just the politics of the day but the human side of Congress. The excitement and anticipation in the air reminded us of the stakes involved as members began their new term, fighting for their constituents, their values, and, ultimately, the direction of our country.