House Newcomers Get Early Advice

New members of the House huddled in the cold for their freshman class picture, then munched on croissants and muffins before beginning another day of lessons on legislating. About six dozen new members awaiting the start of the 105th Congress were in Washington learning the nuts and bolts of running a congressional office. Most of this year’s newcomers already have some government experience, and that will help everyone focus less on partisan maneuvering and more on reaching agreement and getting things done, House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) said. House Democratic Leader Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.) said Democratic freshmen have told him they want to avoid the partisan rancor that marked debate in the 104th Congress. Items on the newcomers’ agenda included tips on hiring staff, sticking to office budgets, using computers and advice on steering clear of ethical problems, said Bill Pierce, a spokesman on the House Oversight Committee, the panel that runs freshman orientation sessions every two years.