Lame-duck Senate includes 3 new faces

WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Three new U.S. senators say they are getting used to the Capitol as they get ready for the home stretch of the lame-duck session.

The trio was voted into office in special elections to fill vacant seats, so they will be starting work before the 112th Congress convenes in January.

Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Chris Coons, D-Del., were sworn in earlier. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., will be sworn in Monday.

The Hill said Saturday that the incumbents have been offering advice and otherwise making the freshmen welcome. The three went through a 3-day orientation class and Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, has issued an open invitation for breakfast.

Among the nuggets of advice offered are getting to know their fellow senators as soon as possible and not try to tackle too much too soon when it comes to committee assignments.