WASHINGTON, DC – The entire Connecticut Congressional Delegation officially welcomed Congressman-elect Jim Himes (CT-04) to Washington during a press conference today on Capitol Hill.

Representative-Elect Himes was able to take a short break from a full day of new Member briefings and meetings with House leadership to accept the good wishes of his Connecticut colleagues.

Click here to download a photo from the event.

“It is heart-warming to be welcomed with open arms by such talented and effective veteran Members of Congress. And it was a good feeling when we had to ask for a larger table at the House dining room for our first delegation breakfast meeting. As a united House team and working together with our Senators, I believe we’ll serve the interests of the people of Connecticut well,” stated Congressman-Elect Jim Himes (CT-04). “We’re incredibly privileged to have two of the most senior members of House leadership standing right here with us today. We’ve got our work cut out for us, with the country in crisis at home and abroad. Hard working families are losing their homes, their jobs, and their savings. I’m looking forward to getting on with the people’s work with the new President and with the leadership of the new Congress.”

“This is an extraordinary moment for our state and our country. And I’m thrilled to share it with our newest member of the Connecticut delegation – Congressman-elect, Jim Himes,” said Senator Dodd. “Jim is a rising star – and I have no doubt that he will reach new heights in the years to come. I look forward to working with him and the rest of our incredibly talented delegation as we tackle the big challenges facing Connecticut and the nation.”

“I look forward to working with Congressman-elect Himes and the rest of the delegation to advocate for our state’s priorities. Connecticut’s fourth district includes my home in Stamford and my door – both in the Senate and at home – will always be open to him,” stated Senator Joe Lieberman.

Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chair-elect of the Democratic Caucus, said, “This Congress faces enormous challenges ahead. The country is in two wars, our economy is in shambles and average Americans are feeling squeezed. But we embrace these challenges. And, there is no one I would rather have at my side to solve the problems of our day than Jim Himes. I am thrilled to welcome him to our Caucus and our delegation. And, I look forward to working with him.”

“It is a pleasure to be here today with our entire team from the House and Senate united, ready, and committed to work together for the people of Connecticut. I want to join my colleagues in extending the warmest of welcomes to our newest Member – Jim Himes,” said Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03). “We all know the hard work has just begun. But with a new administration, a new vision, and a new, larger majority in Congress that includes Jim Himes, this team is going to accomplish so much in the coming months.”

“It is a pleasure to welcome Congressman-Elect Jim Himes to Congress because he has the experience necessary to help address the challenges before us. Jim’s extensive understanding of the financial industry and his work supporting those less fortunate make him well suited to help tackle our economic crisis, while showing a critical sensitivity to those who have been hurt the most. With a united Democratic Congressional Delegation, we now have the ability to help deliver the change the American people deserve and need,” stated Representative Joe Courtney (CT-02).

“Joining the Connecticut delegation in Washington in 2006 was incredibly exciting, and I am proud of what we accomplished as a team over the last two years. But now we have an incoming President who is ready to make the real changes that people in Connecticut and across the country have been begging for over the past eight years. And with Jim’s experience and passion, Connecticut’s Fourth District will be well served in the upcoming Congress,” stated Rep. Chris Murphy (CT-05).

Photo (l-r): Reps. Murphy, Courtney, DeLauro, Rep-Elect Himes, Senators Lieberman and Dodd, Rep. Larson.

Click here to download a photo from the event.

For more information, please contact:

CONTACT: DON CARLSON (HIMES)

PHONE: (917) 576-2726

JUSTINE SESSIONS (DODD)

PHONE: (202) 224-0345

ERIKA MASONHALL (LIEBERMAN)

PHONE: (202) 224-4041

ADRIANA SURFAS (DELAURO)

PHONE: (202) 225-3661

EMILY BAROCAS (LARSON)

PHONE: (202) 225-7295

BRIAN FARBER (COURTNEY)

PHONE: (202) 225-2105

KRISTEN BOSSI (MURPHY)

PHONE: (202) 225-4476