Senator Bob Corker, (R-Tn.), who was elected overwhelmingly to a second term in November, was sworn in Thursday for a second term as the 113th Congress convened in Washington. Senator Corker joined fellow senators in the Senate Chamber at noon on Thursday to take the oath, administered by Vice President Joe Biden.
“I am grateful for the tremendous privilege Tennesseans have given me once again to represent them in the U.S. Senate and to weigh in on the big issues facing our country. There is no question we face historic challenges that require both parties to work together, most significant of which is putting our country’s fiscal house in order by restoring solvency to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and I remain committed to offering meaningful solutions for these and other important issues,” Senator Corker said.
Earlier this month, Senator Corker offered legislation to raise the debt ceiling by roughly $1 trillion in exchange for roughly $1 trillion in reforms to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. (Click here for a summary of the Dollar for Dollar Act and here for the bill text.)
Following the official swearing in, senators participate in a reenactment with their families in the Old Senate Chamber.
Senator Corker’s wife, Elizabeth, watched from the Senate gallery as he was sworn in and joined him for the reenactment.
Representative Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (Tn.-04) was sworn in as a member of the 113th Congress by House Speaker John Boehner. Speaker Boehner conducted the ceremonial swearing-in for Rep. DesJarlais and his family following the official oath of office on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.
Rep. DesJarlais issued the following statement:
“I am humbled that the people of Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District have given me the honor to once again represent them in the United States House of Representatives. I will continue to fulfill the promises that I made to Tennesseans when I first ran for office and legislate in an independent, conservative manner.
“While we made a lot of progress during the 112th Congress, we must build upon these accomplishments and address the monumental challenges we face as a nation. First and foremost, it is critical that Washington finally gets serious about addressing its reckless spending addiction that is bankrupting our country.
“While the road ahead will certainly be difficult, I take solace in the fact that we understand the necessary solutions needed for a more prosperous future. If we have the courage to cut our spending, eliminate stifling bureaucracy and return our government to its constitutional role, I am certain that America’s best days are still to come.”
Rep. DesJarlais will continue to serve on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Committee on Agriculture and Committee on Education and Workforce.
Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ga.-14) issued the following statement Thursday after being sworn in as the representative of Georgia’s 14th Congressional District:
“Representing Georgians in Congress is the honor of a lifetime. Every day, I will work with conviction to reform Washington so that Georgia’s families and businesses can prosper.
“Many challenges await the new Congress, and most important among them is growing the economy so the private sector can create jobs. For far too long, millions of Americans have been trapped by misguided, big government policies that have prolonged their unemployment and suffering. I believe the unemployed will find jobs and our communities will prosper when government is small and limited. I believe the economy will grow when we trust the people, protect our constituents’ wallets, and force the government to balance its budget.
“I know we can accomplish the real and meaningful reform necessary to build a prosperous future. It will be a struggle, and we may face more cliffs and shutdowns along the way, but the cause is worthy and the future of our country depends on our success.”
Rep. Graves served from 2010-2013 as the representative of Georgia’s 9th district and was re-elected as the 14th district representative as a result of reapportionment.
Credit: U.S. House of Representatives
Elaine Graves (mother), JoAnn Graves (daughter), House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), John Graves III (son), Janey Graves (daughter), Rep. Tom Graves, Julie Graves (wife).