American pundits closely follow when the new 2025 Congress was sworn in, as it is an important event.
The 119th Congress of the United States was officially sworn in on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This convening marked the commencement of the new legislative term, following the 2024 midterm elections. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Capitol Hill, with members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives taking the oath of office.
Key Events on Swearing-In Day
On the first day of the 119th Congress, several significant events occurred:
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Swearing-In of Members: Newly elected and re-elected senators and representatives took their oaths of office, officially beginning their terms in Congress.
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Speaker of the House Election: Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) was re-elected as Speaker of the House on the first ballot. His election was confirmed after discussions with holdout members, including Reps. Ralph Norman and Keith Self, who switched their votes to support him following conversations with President-elect Donald Trump. The final vote was 218 for Johnson, 215 for Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and 1 for Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN).
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Senate Majority Leadership: Senator John Thune (R-SD) began his first term as Senate Majority Leader, succeeding Mitch McConnell.
Composition of the New 2025 Congress
The 119th Congress is composed of 100 senators and 435 representatives. The Republican Party holds a majority in both the House and the Senate. Notably, the Senate began with 51 Republicans, 47 Democrats, and 2 Independents who caucus with the Democrats. However, on January 10, 2025, Senator JD Vance (R-OH) resigned to become Vice President of the United States, and on January 14, 2025, Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) took office after completing his term as Governor of West Virginia. These changes resulted in a Senate composition of 52 Republicans, 47 Democrats, and 1 Independent.
Significance of When Was The New Congress Sworn in 2025
The swearing-in of the 119th Congress is a pivotal event in the U.S. political calendar. It signifies the beginning of a new legislative session, with lawmakers taking office to represent their constituents and address national issues. The election of Speaker Mike Johnson and the leadership changes in the Senate set the stage for the legislative priorities and direction of Congress in the coming term.
Looking Ahead
With the 119th Congress now in session, attention turns to the legislative agenda and the priorities of the new leadership. Key issues expected to be addressed include economic policy, healthcare reform, and national security. The actions and decisions of the 119th Congress will play a crucial role in shaping the legislative landscape of the United States for the next two years.
For more detailed information on the proceedings and activities of the 119th Congress, official resources such as the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives websites provide comprehensive coverage and updates.