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The 115th Congress was sworn in and got to work Tuesday in the nation's capital.

Republicans control both chambers of Congress, and are awaiting the swearing in a Republican Donald Trump as president.

Even with one party in power, there were still some hiccups on this first day.

It started with a vote taken by the Republican caucus Monday night to change ethics oversight rules, in a move that certainly gave the impression of limiting investigation of themselves.

But after public uproar, and a rebuke by the president-elect, the idea died.

Republicans hoping for sunny skies heading in a new Congress controlled by them, and with a president with the same ideals as them were greeted with a dreary day in the nation’s capital.

Just after noon on Tuesday, Congress was gaveled into session immediately answering to a plan to change ethics oversight of lawmakers.

“I think it’s a horrible idea, I am very disappointed in the Republican, and I can't say leadership because Paul Ryan spoke in opposition of changing the ethics rules, and so did Kevin McCarthy,” said North Carolina Representative Walter Jones/(R) 3rd District.

Jones wasn't the only Republican who had concerns about the proposal, so did President-elect Donald Trump who reprimanded lawmakers.

In the end that provision was deleted, but some say they are concerned this move may be a warning sign for what's ahead.

“We are expecting a very conservative, right wing unheard of agenda from the Republicans,” said Representative Gk Butterfield/(D) 1st District.

It is an agenda that is expected to take on some weighty issues from immigration, to terrorism, to education. An issue Education and Workforce Committee Chair Virginia Foxx says should be less combative that under the current administration when efforts are made to put education decisions back in the hands of states.
                                                                
“We don't expect that from a Trump administration, and we would say to the secretary, we call him in for hearings and say what part of "shall not" do you not understand Mr. Secretary?” said Representative Virginia Foxx /(R) 5th District.

And for some members, this first day is a bit about the pomp and circumstance even as these issue loom, including for North Carolina’s one new member, Ted Budd of the newly drawn 13th District.

“I had to double check the nameplate on the door and make sure it was really mine,” said Representative Ted Budd/(R) 13th district.

http://www.twcnews.com/nc/triangle-sandhills/news/2017/01/3/republican-lawmakers-open-115th-congress-in-washington.html