ELKHART — U.S. Congresswoman-elect Jackie Walorski has finished her first week of orientation as a freshman federal lawmaker ahead of her formal swearing in on Jan. 3.

“I’ve enjoyed meeting my colleagues in the 113th Congress, particularly the new members of the freshman class,” she said in a press release Saturday. “It is clear many of us share the same concerns over the nation’s mounting debt and weak economy. I am confident that we are ready to roll up our sleeves and work together to produce real solutions for the American people.”

Walorski, a Republican from the Jimtown area, won election to the 2nd District U.S. House seat in voting earlier this month. She’ll take over from U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly, D-Granger, who won his race for a U.S. Senate seat.

A second week of orientation for Walorski and other freshman House members — more than 80 in all — will take place after Thanksgiving. Walorski should learn more about committee assignments and office location then.