Senate.Gov. The United States Senate
Find Your Senators
 
Search
SenatorsCommitteesLegislation and RecordsArts and HistoryVisitorsReference
The United States CapitolTelegraphSenate Floor
Virtual Reference Desk
Public Disclosure
Nominations
Statistics and Lists
Inaugural Web site
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has launched a website to provide up-to-date information about the 2013 Presidential Inauguration and related ceremonies along with historical information and photos of inaugurals past.
Civil War Sesquicentennial
The Great Uprising of the North--An Anniversary Picture--April 12, 1862.
In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, a continuing series of online features explores the Senate's wartime experience.
This Week in Senate History
Daniel Webster by Adrian S. Lamb
January 26, 1830

One of the most momentous debates in Senate history entered its final stage on this date. In a packed chamber, Daniel Webster (MA), using his organ-like voice to great effect, began a two-day speech -- known as his "Second Reply to Hayne."

 

More»
2013 Session Schedule
Scheduled Hearings
Active Legislation
Votes
Floor Schedule

Monday, Jan 21, 2013

11:30 a.m.: Convene for the joint session for the Inaugural Ceremonies.


Previous Meeting

Friday, Jan 04, 2013

The Senate convened at 12:30 p.m. and recessed at 2:11 p.m. No record votes were taken.


Daily Digest(latest issue)


Senate Calendar(latest issue)


Executive Calendar(latest issue, PDF format)


Floor Activity
View the previous legislative day's Floor Activity.
When a New Congress Begins

On January 3, 2013, the Senate convenes its first session of the 113th Congress. The proceedings of this first day follow a well established routine. Having presented their credentials to the Senate, newly elected and reelected senators are sworn in by the vice president. The Senate is divided into three classes for election purposes, and every two years one-third of the Senate is elected or reelected. For this reason, only a third of the senators will take the oath on January 3.


Taking the Senate Oath


Because photography is prohibited in the Senate Chamber, following the official oath ceremony new senators join the vice president in the Old Senate Chamber, where a reenactment of the swearing-in ceremony takes place. With this opening ceremony complete, the Senate proceeds with other business, such as the election of the president pro tempore and other officers as well as the assignment of desks in the chamber.


The Opening of the United States Senate


Unlike the House of Representatives, where all members face election every two years, the Senate does not have to reorganize itself following each election, but it will adopt an organizing resolution early in the new Congress to set procedures for operating the Senate during the next two years. Typically, the adoption of this resolution is routine, but there have been occasions when the Senate faced unique challenges, making organization difficult. As January continues, the Senate turns to legislative business. With each new Congress, all pending legislation of the previous Congress expires (with the exception of treaties), so many bills and resolutions are reintroduced. During the first weeks of the new Congress, most freshman senators mark an important milestone in their Senate careers by delivering their maiden speeches.

To learn more about the opening day of a new Congress or other Senate traditions, visit these web pages: Frequently Asked Questions about a New Congress, Guide to Senate Traditions, or Learn about the Senate.

Past Feature Articles

Capitol Tours
Photo Capitol Hill

FOR INFORMATION ON CAPITOL TOURS, PLEASE CALL 202-226-8000

The visitors page is your source for information on Capitol tours, maps of the area and visiting Washington, D.C.