Eight Floridians were sworn in as new members of Congress Wednesday, seven of them joining the new Republican majority.
Freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland weighed in on his new role and pledged to fight for conservative ideals.
It is a great honor to serve the citizens of the 2nd Congressional District, and I take my responsibility seriously, said Southerland. Todays swearing in ceremony represents the turning of the page to a new era. For too long Washington has not reflected the values of, or faced the same challenges experienced by, communities across America.
I will work tirelessly on behalf of the people of North and Northwest Florida to accomplish what we have been sent here to do, added Southerland, who was named to the Agriculture and Natural Resources committees. Most importantly, we must work to restore the sacred trust between the people and their elected representatives, a bond that has become severely strained. We must expand personal freedom by shrinking government, fuel our free-enterprise system through lower taxes and less regulation, and implement a pro-family agenda that strengthens homes and teaches our children how to succeed.
New Republican U.S. Rep. Rich Nugent reflected on veterans as he took office.
As the father of three sons who have made the commitment to serve our country as members of the military, I am especially honored to be in a position to fight for Americas heroes, noted Nugent, who has been assigned to the Homeland Security and Veteran Affairs committees. There can be no greater privilege for me than to ensure that our returning veterans receive all of the benefits that they have earned.We must provide them with the very best medical care our nation has available. We must also commit to helping our veterans and their families adjust to civilian life again.
Newly inaugurated U.S. Rep. Allen West, who is headed to House Armed Services and the Small Business committees, reflected on his own time in the service.
"Today is a day I will never forget," said West, who is the only Republican joining the Congressional Black Caucus. "I spent 22 years wearing the uniform of a United States soldier fighting for this country. I may be in a different kind of uniform today, but my willingness to do whatever it takes to protect Americans remains the same.
"South Floridians elected me with expectations that I will come to Washington and fight for what is important to them," added West. "My first priorities will be turning around this disastrous economy, limiting government spending, and national security."
Fellow Republican freshman U.S. Rep. Dan Webster, who was named to the Rules and the Transportation and Infrastructure committees, called for reform as he took his congressional seat.
The way business is done is Washington must change dramatically, said Webster, who served as speaker of the Florida House and majority leader of the state Senate. I hope to bring more transparency to the process and advance a policy environment based on principle, not power.
U.S. Rep. Sandy Adams, another new Republican in Congress from the Sunshine State, said she was ready to get to work.
I am honored to join the House and get to work on behalf of the men and women of the 24th District, noted Adams on Wednesday. I was sworn in just a little while ago, and am ready to hit the ground running to help change our country for the better!
There are three other new U.S. representatives from Florida who are familiar faces in Tallahassee. Republicans Dennis Ross and David Rivera, who both served four terms in the Florida House, were sworn in on Wednesday. So was Frederica Wilson, the lone Democrat among the states congressional freshmen who served in the House and Senate.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
