A new session of Congress started Tuesday, as two new congressmen and a new senator made history as an all-Republican Arkansas delegation took office.
The state’s congressional delegation – Sens. John Boozman, R-Ark., and Tom Cotton, R-Ark.; and Reps. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, French Hill, R-Little Rock, Steve Womack, R-Rogers, and Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs – were sworn in around lunchtime during sessions in the U.S. House and Senate.
Cotton, who defeated incumbent Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., in the November general election, was among the third group of four senators each to raise their hands before Vice President Joe Biden.
“It is a great honor to be a member of the United States Senate. I’m humbled by the support of my fellow Arkansans and am grateful they’ve given me the privilege to represent our great state. Now, we turn to governing and putting Arkansas and America on a path of growth, opportunity, and security. I look forward to the important work that lies ahead,” Cotton said.
Boozman, who is now the state’s senior senator and is up for re-election next year, said the delegation will work on fiscal issues in the new session.
“This is an exciting time for the people of Arkansas, our nation and the future of the United States. The Arkansas delegation is committed to doing what’s best for our state and I’m excited to work with our new members to promote policies that encourage job growth,” Boozman said. “A Republican-led Congress will push to make our tax code fairer and simpler for all Americans, cut spending to address the debt that is hurting the future for our children and grandchildren and stop regulations that are inefficient, ineffective and unnecessary.”
HOUSE MEMBERS
The state’s House delegation echoed the statement made by Boozman Tuesday.
Crawford, who defeated Democrat Jackie McPherson last fall, said the opportunity to serve often begins simply with the raising of a right hand.
“Today’s oath of office starts a new chapter for congressional members to support and defend the U.S. Constitution, and I began my third term serving the First District of Arkansas, taking that oath with great responsibility, privilege and honor,” Crawford said. “My priorities for the 114th Congress include new responsibilities within the House Agriculture Committee and legislation to limit the federal government’s out-of-control spending problem, and I’m eager to work toward common sense solutions that advance our country, state and district.”
Hill, who defeated Democrat Patrick Henry Hays in November, said the message sent by voters was clear and to the point.
“I am honored to serve Arkansas’ Second Congressional District, and I am humbled by the support of the hardworking Arkansans who entrusted me with this responsibility,” Hill said. “This past election, the American people made clear their opposition to the President’s go-it-along approach to governing, and I am ready to work with my colleagues in the House and the new Senate majority to fight against the President’s failed policies. I pledge to work for solutions that eliminate wasteful government spending, strengthen our foreign policy and national security, achieve greater accountability, promote economic success for all Americans, repeal Obamacare and allow Arkansas’ families and businesses to thrive.”
Womack, who presided over debate Tuesday afternoon involving House rules, said having a Republican majority in the House and Senate gives his party a chance for leadership and to find solutions to problems.
“Serving Third District Arkansans is an honor and a privilege, and as your representative, your priorities are my priorities,” Womack said. “This new Congress is an unprecedented opportunity to address the many challenges America faces today, and I look forward to working with the Republican majorities in the House – and now the Senate – to not only find these solutions and fight to restore fiscal responsibility and government accountability in Washington, but also promote the conservative values we hold dear.”
Westerman, a former state representative, challenged the Obama administration to provide leadership on a series of issues.
“It is a great honor and privilege to serve the hardworking taxpayers of Arkansas in their Fourth District office. As we start the 114th Congress, I look forward to fighting for more freedom for my constituents who have seen nothing but hassles from President Obama and his administration’s record of overreach,” Westerman, who defeated Democrat James Lee Witt last November, said. “This Congress will force the President to make a choice – whether to listen to people or follow his own personal agenda. I am looking forward to his choice.”
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