Washington, DC – January 6, 2009 – U.S. Representative Mike Doyle said he was looking forward to getting down to work in the new 111th Congress.

Congressman Doyle and the other Members-elect were sworn in as Members of the U.S. House of Representatives today.  The 111th Congress will meet over the next two years.

“This Congress faces a number of very serious challenges,” Congressman Doyle said today after being sworn in.  “The economy is in terrible shape, and Americans are worried about their jobs, their homes, their health care, and their savings.  We’ve got two wars underway and serious crises in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.  The Members of the 111th Congress will face many difficult decisions.”

“This is also a time of great opportunity, however,” Congressman Doyle added.  “Serious times call for serious measures.  Combined with the fresh start offered by the inauguration of a new President, I believe that we have the opportunity to make great strides in addressing many of the problems facing our country.”

“I am honored and humbled to have been given the responsibility of representing the People of Pennsylvania’s 14th Congressional District in the House of Representatives at this critical time,” Congressman Doyle said.  “I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting down to work on these tough public policy challenges.”

Congressman Doyle is a Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, a House committee with jurisdiction over issues like energy, the environment, health care, telecommunications, and consumer protection.  The Committee is expected to focus on energy independence, global warming, health care reform, and the digital television conversion in the coming months.

“These issues are of great importance to the residents of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County,” Congressman Doyle observed, “and I am actively involved in crafting legislation that will make their lives better.”

Congressman Doyle has completed three terms as a Member of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, and he is expected to rotate off the committee, which limits Members’ service to three terms.