Congress is back in session and some Virginia lawmakers are already causing a stir at the Capitol.
The first day of the congressional session is filled with pomp and circumstance. Vice President Biden poses with senators and House Speaker John Boehner puts on a smile for pictures with the hundreds of members of the lower chamber.
In all that flurry two new lawmakers were sworn in to represent northern Virginia, Democrat Don Beyer and Republican Barbara Comstock. She says the new GOP majorities are rolling up their sleeves.
“The great thing is we’re going to get right to work and do everything for the American people and focus on jobs and do what we said we were gonna do.”
One of the first thing House members do at the start of a new session is elect the speaker. John Boehner won reelection after facing dissent from 25 Republicans.
Two of them are from Virginia. Congressman Scott Rigell voted against Boehner because he says the speaker has scheduled too many days off for the 114th Congress.
“Our calendar has to reflect the challenges facing our country and by that I mean, we should not go into extended breaks unless and until all 12 appropriations bills have been voted upon.”
Republican Congressman Dave Brat, who ousted former Majority Leader Eric Cantor, also opposed Boehner.
