North Carolina Republican Elizabeth Dole was gone, replaced in the U.S. Senate by Democrat Kay Hagan. So was Idaho's Larry Craig; his successor, Sen. Jim Risch, was sworn in with an old family Bible that had also seen service when he took the oath as Idaho's governor.
For new members of Congress and some returnees, each swearing in was an important first step to a new round of service.
Here're individual looks at some of those moments.
Alaska's Begich takes his place in Senate, replacing Stevens
North Carolina Democrat Hagan is sworn in
Texas' John Cornyn is sworn in for six more years
Mississippi congressmen sworn in to new Congress
New Idaho Senator Risch sworn in
Hometown followers travel to see Thompson sworn in
N. Carolina newbie Kissell celebrates by rejecting pay raise