Washington, DC - With her oldest grandson, Teddy, by her side Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (Petaluma) was sworn in this afternoon to her 8th consecutive term in office.  Following a ceremony with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (San Francisco), Woolsey entered the 110th Congress vowing to remain an unapologetic progressive, and to introduce legislation laying out a comprehensive framework for withdrawing combat troops from Iraq.

“It's time to honor the mandate delivered by the American people on November 7,” Woolsey said.  “Americans want to bring our troops home from Iraq.  They do not want to send more troops, or to continue the occupation for another year or two.  Our job in Congress is to challenge the President, and to force the President to address the moral issue of our day,” Woolsey added.

Along with continuing to lead the Democratic Caucus on Iraq, Woolsey, who along with Congresswoman Barbara Lee (Oakland) will remain Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, will introduce the Peace and Security Budget, a comprehensive alternative to President Bush’s annual budget proposal.  Woolsey will also re-introduce a number of pieces of legislation benefiting her home district.

“I am fortunate enough to represent one of the most beautiful parts of the country,” Woolsey said, “and I’m going to work to ensure that it remains that way.”

Woolsey plans on re-introducing her Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection bill, as well as continue to work to promote the usage of ‘green building’ techniques and the further development of alternative energy sources.  She will also continue to seek federal funding for improvements to local transportation priorities, including Highway 101.

In addition, Woolsey, who serves on the newly re-named Education and Labor Committee, will remain deeply involved in ensuring that the Committee undertakes a full and effective review of the No Child Left Behind legislation, which comes up for re-authorization this year.  She will also work to promote The Balancing Act, a package of legislative efforts to improve the lives of working families by providing paid family and medical leave assistance, expanded child care opportunities, in-school and after school options, family care assistance, and encouraging the establishment of a family friendly work place.