January 7 was the first day of business for the 108th session of Congress. Families and friends packed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., to see representatives and senators take the oath of office.
The lawmakers will need to tackle tough problems. The ailing economy and the nation's security are high on the agenda. Last week, President George W. Bush presented Congress with his plan to cut taxes and boost the economy.
The House of Representatives has 435 members; 54 are rookies. California Democrat Nancy Pelosi, the new House Minority Leader, is the first woman to lead a party in Congress. She aims to find "new ways" to govern.
The 100-member Senate has 11 new members. Republican Bill Frist of Tennessee will lead his party. Mississippi's Trent Lott gave up that job after he was criticized for making comments that appeared to favor racial segregation. Frist, who is a heart surgeon, spoke of "healing" divisions in the country.