WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Niki Tsongas was sworn in this evening as the Representative from the Fifth Congressional District of Massachusetts for the 111th Congress and released the following statement.

"As I take the oath of office this evening, I do so understanding the remarkable responsibility to serve the residents of the Fifth Congressional district during a period of historically difficult economic circumstances and international unrest.  Not a day goes by that I do not hear from people about the dramatic effect that the economy has had on their lifestyles, household budgets, and how it has forced them to make extremely difficult choices.  Many others have lost their jobs, homes, and retirement savings during this crisis.   

"Over the next two years, I pledge to continue advocating for policies that strengthen the long-term health of our economy and create jobs, and help Americans keep their homes and pay their bills. 

"I will work with my colleagues to give all Americans, especially our children, access to quality, affordable health care because we can do so much better than the system we have today.  I will be an ardent voice for new investments in innovative, clean and renewable sources of energy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. 

"I will partner with local communities to ensure that our students have the tools to compete and succeed in a global economy.  And, as a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will work to restore our standing in the world while providing and caring for our Armed Forces while they are serving and after they return home. 

"The challenges we face are great, but I believe we will have no greater partner in the White House than Barack Obama.  The American people have voiced their resounding support for President-elect Obama and demanded that their government bring new ideas, new leadership, and a new, responsible way of doing business to Washington. 

"I am confident that we will restore the trust of the American people in their government by getting right to work on these most pressing issues, and building a more secure and prosperous future. 

"In partnership with the communities of the 5th District and this remarkable Commonwealth, I am committed to continuing to use the great privilege of this office to advance the priorities of the families I represent."

###