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Members are nervous about opening day disruptions

by Don Wolfensberger, opinion contributor - 10/22/26 10:30 AM ET

by Don Wolfensberger, opinion contributor - 10/22/26 10:30 AM ET

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., waving at right, poses during a ceremonial swearing-in with Rep. Mark Harris, R-N.C, waving left, as Harris’ family looks on, in the Rayburn Room at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

The opening day of a new Congress has historically been a celebratory occasion as families and constituents of newly elected members cram the House galleries for the swearings-in. Next Jan. 3, however, is fraught as concern rises over possible disruptions.

The mob attack on the Capitol during the electoral vote count for president on Jan. 6, 2021 still haunts those who were present.…