Washington, D.C. - As the 109th Session of the United States Congress begins, veteran members and newcomers alike are taking the Oath of Office today.  U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson (IL-15) took part in the ceremonial proceedings by being sworn in to office for his third two-year term.  Congressman Johnson pledges to continue working hard on the individual problems that face the people in his Illinois district.

 “Constituent service is the most important aspect of my job,” said Rep. Johnson.  “The U.S. Congress will consider hundreds of complex and critical issues over the next two years; issues that will affect not only us here in America, but people around the globe as well.  I will have a voice in those debates and those votes.  But I contend that issues such as a late Social Security check, lost War medals, or an impassable road - problems that people at home face on a daily basis, are the issues for which I am directly responsible in finding some kind of solution.  It is truly an honor to serve my home state of Illinois in this capacity and I intend to work extremely hard to help people in my district when they are in need.”

 Rep. Johnson said that as his third term in the U.S. House commences, he will continue to push for passage of the Energy Bill, legislation that is designed to benefit American agriculture and reduce our dependence on foreign oil through expanded production and use of ethanol.  He will also continue to work for reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act, a significant highway construction bill that will improve and modernize infrastructure all over the country, and specifically numerous projects around Johnson’s downstate Illinois district. 

 Speaker of the House, U.S. Rep. J. Dennis Hastert of Illinois began the day’s ceremonies with his entrance to the House Chamber, formally escorted by fellow Illinois Members, including Rep. Johnson.  Following his re-election to the post of Speaker of the House, he swore in the Members of the 109th Congress. Also on hand for the Congressional proceedings were Illinois State Representative Dan Brady from Bloomington and Illinois State Senator Dan Rutherford of Pontiac.  Rep. Johnson invited State Rep. Brady and Senator Rutherford to join him in the U.S. House Chamber to witness the day’s events. Later in the afternoon, the House passed a resolution to express the chamber’s condolences and pledge support for the victims of the deadly tsunamis in the Indian Ocean.

###