WASHINGTON, DC -- The Oath of Office was administered today to the 435 Members of the 106^th Congress, including US Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) who is entering his second term representing the 14^th District of Texas. Rep. Paul also served in the US House of Representatives from 1976 to 1984.

Rep. Paul said he would continue the work he began in the 105^th Congress for such critical issues as educational choice, broad tax cuts and promotion of adhering to constitutional limits on the federal government.

"Today I and my fellow congressmen took an oath before God and the people of the United States to uphold, defend and protect the US Constitution. I will continue to take seriously that oath by refusing to going along with the Washington crowd that says you have to raise taxes, increase spending and restrict the people's rights guaranteed by our Constitution," said Rep. Paul. "For two years I have been encouraged by my constituents to stay out of touch with Washington politicians and Washington values. And that's exactly what I will do."

Rep. Paul has been praised for his strong commitment to constituent service and promised that the taxpayers of the 14^th District can expect not only the same high level of service, but continued improvement as well.

"My offices have had great success in helping constituents in their dealings with federal agencies and programs, but I am not content with simply maintaining that level of service, but in seeing the offices operate more quickly, efficiently and successfully."

Three traditional offices -- in Freeport, Victoria and San Marcos -- serve the constituents of the 14th District. In addition, a mobile office that tours the district's rural areas providing direct service to people who might not be able to drive the long distances to one of the main offices. Rep. Paul also maintains the toll-free Legislative Update line at (888) 322-1414, giving constituents an opportunity to hear what's going on in Washington, DC. Further, he maintains an official e-mail and web site (www.house.gov/paul/) presence on the internet for the benefit of constituents.

Rep. Paul announced that he would continue to reject the lucrative Congressional Pension, which provides former Members of Congress a retirement plan -- at taxpayer expense -- which is far more lucrative than anything in the private sector.

"Politicians shouldn't receive pensions for serving in the House, the Senate or the White House," said Rep. Paul. "Working in the political sphere should be a temporary position in an attempt to discuss ideas, never a full-time job from which one retires and expects a pension."