116th Congress Begins

Outgoing Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy passes the Speaker's gavel to incoming Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Outgoing Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy passes the Speaker's gavel to incoming Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the start of the 116th Congress. Photo by Phi Nguyen.

Incoming Speaker Nancy Pelosi takes the oath of office surrounded by children of Members.

Incoming Speaker Nancy Pelosi takes the oath of office surrounded by children of Members in the House Chamber at the start of the 116th Congress. Photo by Phi Nguyen.

434 lawmakers, including 89 new freshman Members, were sworn in to the 116th Congress.

434 lawmakers, including 89 new freshman Members, were sworn in to the 116th Congress on January 3, 2019. Photo by Phi Nguyen.

Members of the 116th Congress sworn into office

After winning their elections and weeks of preparation, Members-elect were sworn in as Members of the U.S. House of Representatives after the 116th Congress was gaveled into session at noon on Thursday, January 3, 2019.

Representative Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) was elected Speaker and will preside over the chamber for the next two years. Representative Steny Hoyer (MA-5) was elected Majority Leader and Representative Kevin McCarthy (CA-22) was elected Republican Leader.

“New Members of Congress, newly reelected Members of Congress, thank you for your courage to run for office and to serve in this distinguished body,” Speaker Pelosi told the chamber.

"I'm particularly proud to be a woman Speaker of the House of this Congress," Speaker Pelosi said, noting that 2019 marks the 100th year of women having the right to vote. "We all have the ability and privilege to serve with over 100 women Members of Congress, the largest number in history," she added.

After her remarks, Speaker Pelosi then swore in the rest of the lawmakers, including 89 new freshman Members.

More details about the Members of the House of Representatives is available from the Clerk of the House. Find your representative and learn more about visiting the Capitol.