WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) issued the following statement after being sworn into the 112^th Congress of the United States.  Also sworn in were 87 new Republicans and nine new Democrats, making this one of the most notable inaugural days in the history of the House of Representatives.

To view photo, click link: http://mckeon.house.gov/images/rotation/McKeon_Boehner_SwearingIn.jpg

“Today, I had the privilege of being sworn into the 112^th Congress by House Speaker John Boehner.  It’s with humble gratitude that I thank the constituents of the 25^th Congressional District for the opportunity to serve.  I echo Speaker Boehner who said, ‘…this is the people’s House.  This is their Congress.  It’s about them, not us.’   Throughout this new Congress, Republicans will be working to give the government back to the people – the people who told us they want a smaller, less intrusive government that exercises fiscal restraint and maintains greater accountability.  This includes addressing the health care issue.  As one of the first legislative actions of the House today, Republicans scheduled a vote for next Wednesday on the repeal of Obamacare.

“We are focusing on jobs.  Californians are hurting from high unemployment and are drowning in financial burdens.  Areas of my district have been hit particularly hard, such as in Santa Clarita, Victorville, and in the Antelope Valley.  A national unemployment rate of 9.7 percent and a skyrocketed California unemployment rate of 12.5 percent are unacceptable.

“There is a great deal the 112^th Congress will be working to address this year, and I plan to keep my district informed on everything going on in Washington, D.C. and to maintain a open dialogue.  My sincere thanks, again, for the opportunity to serve our communities, our state, and our nation.”

For a detailed summary of the rules package passed by the 112^th Congress on January 5, please click here:http://mckeon.house.gov/singlepage.aspx?NewsID=1852.