The Senate and House have ushered in a new Congress. The 113th Congress convened at noon on Thursday, the constitutionally mandated time.

In the house, Republican Chris Collins, who represents the new 27th Congressional District, was sworn in Thursday afternoon.

During his freshman orientation, the congressman said Democrats should get used to him reaching across the aisle.

"We can't just talk about our problems; we need solutions. It does mean some level of compromise, there's no two ways about it, but common sense solutions to get our spending under control and we can't just mortgage our children's future. And in their name, that's what I'm coming to Congress for – for future generations and to return the promise of the U.S. to it's past glory," said Collins, (R).

Collins represents Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston counties, as well as parts of Erie and Ontario counties.

And in the 24th Congressional District, Democrat Dan Maffei will rejoin the House of Representatives. He replaces Ann Marie Buerkle.. who replaced him in 2010.

Maffei represents Wayne, Cayuga and Onondaga counties as well as parts of Oswego County.

"If we focus on the middle class, their needs, making the right kinds of investments, balancing the budget but doing it in the right way... I think we've got a big opportunity in the next few months. It's going to be a challenge, but I'm up to it," Maffei said.