Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon's newest members of Congress were sworn in Tuesday at the nation's capitol. April Baer reports.

Jeff Merkley and Kurt Schrader took oaths of office,  as scheduled.

Congressman Kurt Schrader, who replaced Darlene Hooley, is still trying to get his office in order.

Staffers don't yet have  land lines and email access. But, they've learned Schrader has been appointed to serve on the House Committee on Agriculture.

Jeff Merkley, who won the Senate seat formerly held by Gordon Smith,  is more settled, but only slightly. He's still looking for a place to live while he's in D.C.

Jeff Merkley: "You know, we're staying in a hotel for 3 days, then, I'll probably be on a friend's couch for a while until I have a room. It's just kind of been way down the priority list"

It may be a while before Merkley or Schrader makes a floor speech. Traditionally, freshmen in both chambers wait a few weeks or months before making their debut.

The rest of the Oregon delegation is already at work, assessing possibilities for the economic stimulus package.