112th Congressional Session Begins This Week
Amendment XX, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution requires Congress meet at least once per year, starting on January 3rd or another designated day. A new Congressional session begins every other year on odd-numbered years. This year, the 112th Congress convenes on Wednesday, January 5th.
The first day held by both the Senate and House of Representative are fairly routine. It includes the swearing-in of new members and the selection of officers and leaders. The Oath of Office used for swearing-in Congressional members appears at 5 U.S.C. §3331.