Swearing In the 119th Congress 

On January 3rd, the 118th Congress met for a final time to vote for Speaker of the House. After winning re-election, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) promptly swore in the 119th Congress. Swearing-in day is a busy and festive day on Capitol Hill, particularly for new Members of Congress. While often overshadowed by the political theater of our current politics, swearing-in day is a mix of celebration, inspiration, opportunity, and gratitude. 

New and returning members, accompanied by friends and family, came to Washington, DC to officially begin their public service. Capitol Hill – particularly the House, where often even returning members are moving offices – was a beehive of activity. In addition to crews moving furniture and technicians setting up televisions, several members of Congress held open houses. Many members brought signature items from their districts like mariachi bands or barbeque. Some swearing-in ceremonies feel like family reunions. 

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Representative John Mannion (D-NY) with FABBS Executive Director Juliane Barron

FABBS was up on the Hill, congratulating new members and introducing our organization as well as the coalitions that we help lead. FABBS is learning more about the 63 new Members to identify those with a likely interest in behavioral and brain sciences, including: 

  • Janelle Bynum (D-OR), electrical engineer; 
  • Maxine Dexter (D-OR), medical doctor; 
  • Troy Downing (R-MT), research scientist and educator; 
  • Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), former educator; 
  • John Mannion (D-NY), former science educator; 
  • Luz Rivas (D-CA), engineer and proponent of girls in STEM. 

Republicans kept the majority in the House, reducing significant turnover on House Committees. The top Republican and Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee – Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) – are unchanged from the previous Congress. Subcommittee membership had not been finalized at time of writing. Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX) will serve as the chair of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, replacing Chairman Lucas, who stepped down due to time limits. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) returns as the ranking member.  

In the Senate, where Republicans gained control, Sen. John Thune (R-SD) has assumed the role of Senate majority leader. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) will take over the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee from Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), who is now the ranking member. The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee will be led by Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), with Senator Bernie Sanders moving to ranking member. Top appropriators will remain the same in the Senate, with Susan Collins (R-ME) serving as Chair and Patty Murray (D-WA) as ranking member. 

The new Congress faces immediate pressure to finalize the federal budget for the current fiscal year (FY) 2025, which began last October. The current stopgap measure passed in late December expires on March 14th. Traditionally, the President’s budget request is due the first week of February, starting the Congressional budget process for FY26, before FY25 is resolved. 

Keep in mind that the Senate is busy with confirmation meetings and hearings in addition to their plans to pass energy, security, immigration, and tax measures in the coming months. 

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