WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, Representative-elect Tony Wied joined other newly-elected Congressmembers for the start of their 10-day orientation.
“It's getting to meet everybody, as many people as I can in Congress, learning the ropes and understanding how things work,” Wied said.
But he had no time to ease into his new job. Unlike the other freshmen, who start their terms in January, Tuesday was Wied’s first day as a congressman, representing Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, which encompasses Green Bay.
The previous representative, Mike Gallagher, resigned in April, leaving his seat vacant until now. Wied beat Democrat Dr. Kristin Lyerly in both the special and general elections. He’ll finish Gallagher’s term and will start his first full two-year term in January.
“I'm ready to get to work and do the things that we talked about, to lower prices for everyday Americans, especially those in District 8, securing the border,” he said.
Wied was met with a familiar face: Wisconsin Congressman Bryan Steil, R-Janesville. Steil is chairman of the Committee on House Administration, which is running the orientation.
Wied and another new member from Texas will have unique experiences since they’re filling vacant seats and starting two months earlier than their peers.
“Those members will almost have a little bit of a dual task,” Steil said. “Not only will they be active members voting on the House floor for bills that come before us, but will also be participating in new member orientation.”
Steil said the orientation is a bipartisan environment, something Wied appreciates as he meets members from both parties.
“That's really important to have those conversations, get to know each other, and then, of course, we'll work through things,” Wied said.
Next week, there will be a lottery to choose offices on Capitol Hill. For now, Wied will be in Gallagher’s old office.