Washington, D.C. -  U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson was sworn in today to his fifth term in office representing the 15^th Congressional District of Illinois. Upon the inauguration of the 111^th Session of Congress, Rep. Johnson made the following statement.

   “It is an honor to take this oath and have the opportunity to serve my fellow citizens of the 15^th Congressional District for another two years,” Rep. Johnson said. “The obstacles before us are undeniably greater than at any time during my career in Washington, D.C. People are losing their jobs, their homes, their hope. Our savings are being annihilated. And we continue to face instability abroad and uncertainty over when we’ll see our troops home again and for good.

   “I cannot promise that Congress will right these wrongs and erase our pain. I can promise you that I will use my voice to advocate for the best interests of this District and according to a conscience nurtured by core Midwest values of my faith, my family and my work.

   “While politicians at many levels are facing scandal and corruption charges, I can promise I will conduct myself honorably. The cynicism that confronts many of our institutions, from banks to car makers to the hallowed halls of government, is completely understandable. Perhaps the best response any of us can have is to make sure we as individuals do not lapse into the laxness of language and behavior that we rightfully find so discouraging about others.

   “My hope is that the message of bipartisanship that President-Elect Obama has tried to convey will find its way to Congress. It is certainly a goal I have pursued as a co-founder of the Center Aisle Caucus. On a personal level, this is a goal to which we can all aspire. Disagree if you will but do so agreeably.

   “The solvency of our nation, the physical health of our planet, our relationships with our fellow citizens, require no less.”

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