Tweet Beat: Back-to-Work Edition

The holidays are over, and most Washingtonians have returned to their desks—including the men and women of Congress. Wednesday’s swearing-in ceremony brought faces new and old to the Capitol, and many congressional tweeters professed their goals for the upcoming session. Some approach the fresh start with enthusiasm; others, with seasoned cynicism. In any case, we’re looking forward to seeing what the newest senators and representatives have to say over the coming months.

Representative Charles Rangel: @cbrangel Today is the beginning of the New Congress. I am FIRED UP! READY TO GO!!

Not even censure can keep Representative Rangel from approaching the first day back as if it were a pep rally.

Senator Barbara Mikulski: @SenatorBarb Thanks for all the kind words on becoming longest-serving female Senator. The history of the women in the Senate is short – about 4’11”

Genuinely amusing congressional humor—a rare treat.

Karl Rove: @KarlRove Here’s a great way to start the day—with @foxandfriends and a giant chessboard with life-sized pieces. Tune in at 6:30 AM ET.

Is he talking about a real chessboard, or just his outlook on life? And we hope he’s not taking too much away from Harry Potter.

Rich Amons: @RichAmons @GoldenK9 @bravoandy Your very kind, stay tuned as I am trying to get Betty White to come live with us and help straighten up Congress!

Now that would make good reality television.

Senator Orrin Hatch: @OrrinHatch Heading home. Sen. Dems stuck trying to work out a procedural power grab to get their liberal agenda thru. No real work until end of month

That’s the spirit!

Representative Dennis Ross: @RepDennisRoss About time the Constitution was heard on the House floor again. Lets not forget it isn’t just for nostalgia. . .it is law!

And all this time we thought it was just a plot device for Nicolas Cage movies.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi: @NancyPelosi I’m now @NancyPelosi–2 characters shorter than @SpeakerPelosi. RTers rejoice!