BELL RINGS FOR CLASS ON HILL HOUSE MEMBERS ARE LIKE SCHOOLKIDS.

Byline: Lisa Friedman Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON -- If Capitol Hill is like high school, as some have said, then Thursday's opening of the 110th Congress was the first day of class.

Dressed in their finest suits and accompanied by family, U.S. House members clogged the hallways as they slapped shoulders, caught up on gossip and offered New Year's greetings to their colleagues.

Picking up their congressional pins, some showed first-term lawmakers the shortcuts through the labyrinthine Capitol and even received their subcommittee assignments.

``Yeah, it's a little like picking classes,'' said Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Pasadena, who received word Thursday of his placement on the House appropriations panel.

Then came the swearing-in ceremony, the ultimate homeroom assembly.

House members slowly filed into the chamber where within hours they would vote to elect Nancy Pelosi the first woman speaker of the House of Representatives.

A few eager beavers already were there. Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo nabbed a front-row seat for himself and his three grandchildren. Rep. Gary Miller, R-Brea, also chose a seat in front.

Newlywed Brad Sherman, D-Sherman Oaks, entered from the back, shaking hands and mingling with fellow lawmakers.

Democrats, holding a majority in the House for the first time in 12 years, were decidedly more lively -- socializing and joking. Deposed Republicans, meanwhile, sat quiet and subdued.

Cliques started to form as Schiff walked over to speak with Rep. Howard Berman, D-Van Nuys. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus sat side-by-side, the Bay Area lawmakers air-kissed, and Floridians clustered together.

On the Republican side of the aisle, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, walked in and sat next to Miller, while former Speaker Dennis Hastert stood in the back row.

The clerk called twice for the House to come to order. The din lowered and all eyes were on the lookout for the new class president.

Finally, Pelosi entered, flanked by her grandchildren. She kissed, hugged, shook hands and waved. Cameras flashed.

Democrats went wild, rising from their seats to give a standing ovation. Republicans clapped politely, looking around and finally standing as well.

Democratic House Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel officially nominated Pelosi.

He called on the 110th Congress to be ``known for its ideas, not its insults. A Congress known for its patriotism, not its partisanship.''

This time, there was no hesitation as the entire chamber rose in applause for Pelosi and elected her 233-202.

Republican Leader John Boehner handed her the gavel, declaring her election ``a cause for celebration.''

lisa.friedman(at)langnews.com

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