WASHINGTON, DC– January 3, 2017 – Today, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas was sworn in as the U.S. Representative from the Third Congressional District of Massachusetts for the 115^th Congress.

Congresswoman Tsongas released the following statement.

“I want to express my deep appreciation to the people of the Third District for giving me the privilege of representing them in the 115^th Congress.

“The 2016 election highlighted that Americans, especially here in Massachusetts, care deeply about the future of this country and the challenges and opportunities before us. This is a future that is unavoidably shared, even while we pursue our own individual paths. It also underscored that our nation is deeply divided, and the President-elect and the GOP-led Congress have a responsibility to put aside the divisive rhetoric of the election season and begin to bring this country together.

“The coming months will bring debates and discussions about how to best move our nation forward.  My Democratic colleagues and I will work across the aisle to find common ground where possible, but we will not waiver on our core beliefs and principles.

“Here in the Third District of Massachusetts, hard work, determination, innovation, and diverse traditions drive the people that live here. I have seen their commitment to inclusion, collaboration and partnership help advance their community vision. That resilience and hopefulness in our shared prosperity inspire me every day. It is why I have made it a priority to bring their concerns with me to Washington in order to amplify their voice.

“Locally, we’ve seen reassuring signs of businesses expanding and creating jobs; entrepreneurs and small businesses take hold and beginning to grow; clean energy and conservation initiatives developing across the Merrimack and Nashoba Valleys; public/private partnerships bringing significant investment in infrastructure improvements; and state-of-the art technology and education centers showcasing the Third District’s bright minds and vast resources.

“But we have much more to do on a local and national level: Protect the economic and national security of our people; support those who serve on our behalf; reduce our deficit; safeguard our planet; reform our tax code; fix our immigration system; keep our communities safe; fight for equality for all; maintain the solvency of Medicare and Social Security; secure access to affordable health care and so much more. 

“I will work to build on our steady progress, face new challenges and find common ground to achieve our shared goal of a stronger America. Thank you, again, to the people of the Third District and I look forward to continuing our work together.”

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