By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
WASHINGTON, DC—Tuesday, January 3, 2017, the 115th Congress was sworn into office. Several of the Alabama delegation released statements thanking the voters for their continued confidence in them.
Shortly after being sworn in for his second term in office, US Representative Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) said in a statement, “It was a great privilege to stand on the House floor for the second time pledging to support and defend the Constitution. I look forward to serving the great people of Alabama’s Sixth District in the 115th Congress and bringing our conservative values to Washington, DC I believe we can accomplish a lot over the next two years and I am eager to get back to work.”
US Representative Martha Roby (R-Montgomery), who was sworn in for her fourth term in the US House of Representatives, vowed to, “support and defend the Constitution of the United States… bear true faith and allegiance to the same… and faithfully discharge the duties of the office.”
Roby promised to prioritize issues of particular importance to Alabama’s Second District, including properly funding the military, improving veterans health services, and ensuring equitable agriculture policies. With a unified Republican government taking place on January 20th, Roby said that she is also eager to deliver results on conservative priorities like cutting wasteful spending, repealing Obamacare and replacing it with patient-centered health policies and reining in the regulatory state.
“I am honored to represent Alabama’s Second Congressional District and be a voice on behalf of my constituents in Washington,” Roby said. “With every vote I cast and every action I take in Congress, I have one simple principle: Alabama always comes first. Whether it is supporting Maxwell Air Force Base and Fort Rucker, maintaining our progress in improving veterans healthcare, or advancing smart agriculture policy, I will continue to prioritize issues affecting my State and district.
“There is so much work to be done to put this country back on the right track. I’m eager to work with a unified Republican government to deliver results that make a positive difference for the American people. We have a unique opportunity to use conservative ideals to put our country on a more responsible, sustainable path. I’m excited to be a part of this historic moment and ready to get to work.”
US Representative Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) said in a statement, “As the 115th Congress begins its work, I am grateful for the opportunity to tackle head-on the pressing issues the American people elected a unified Republican House, Senate, and President to address. Republicans in Washington are eager to serve the American people by restoring fiscal responsibility, enforcing our immigration laws, balancing the nation’s trade deficit, and rolling back burdensome federal regulations. I appreciate the trust that the citizens of North Alabama have placed in me. It is a tremendous honor to continue serving the people of Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District.”
US Representative Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) said on social media, “I am now sworn in, and the 115th Congress is officially underway. I am very excited about the potential to make a real, positive impact on behalf of the American people. Our top priority should always be to focus on policies that benefit the American people. By doing that, I believe we can help restore faith in government and make life easier for all Americans.”
US Representative Mike Rogers (R-Saks) said on social media, “Today marks the start of the 115th Congress. My first act of the new congress was to reintroduce my bill to end the United States’ involvement in the United Nations.”
Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) was easily re-elected as Speaker of the House. As expected, Ryan defeated House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California), 238 to 189.
Speaker Ryan is promising that Congress will repeal and replace the unpopular Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 which created Obamacare. After the Obamacare repeal resolution was introduced in the Senate Ryan said, “This is the first step toward relief for Americans struggling under Obamacare. This resolution sets the stage for repeal followed by a stable transition to a better health care system. Our goal is to ensure that patients will be in control of their health care and have greater access to quality, affordable coverage. Today we begin to deliver on our promise to the American people.”
All the members of the Alabama Congressional Delegation returned for the 115th Congress.
