U.S. SENATE
"The Living Symbol Of Our Union Of States"
Before Retrieving The Oath
Every two years before the election a new group of senators come to the capitol to take over the duties of the U.S. Senators.
from 1789-1970s a new senator had reply on the friendly advice of senior members or Senate officers and staff to learn the traditions and folkways of the Senate. Beginning in the 1970s, however, the senate instituted a formal orientation program made to help newly elected members become acquainted with the Capitol, learn the Senate's rules and procedures, put up an office and hire staff, and take part in leadership elections. For many years, Senator Robert C. Byrd, the Senate's longest-serving member, talked to each freshman class, offering his help and historical perspective.