Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ron Klein (FL-22) today addressed supporters at a district swearing-in ceremony at the Historic Courthouse in West Palm Beach. Klein, who was reelected to a second term in November, was officially sworn in for the opening of the 111th Congress in Washington, D.C. on January 6. At the district swearing-in ceremony, Klein met with constituents and shared his goals for the upcoming Congress.

The text of Congressman Klein’s remarks is below.

As Prepared for Delivery

January 12, 2009
Remarks of Congressman Ron Klein
District Swearing-in Ceremony, West Palm Beach

“Thank you, and thank you to Chief Judge Kathleen Kroll of the 15th Judicial Circuit for swearing me in today. It is an honor and privilege to be re-elected to serve a second term representing the families of South Florida. I am so grateful that all of you could join my family and me as we mark this important occasion. Our community is among the most vibrant, active and engaged in the entire country, and I am committed to matching their energy every day in Washington.

“I would like to thank each of you for your support and hard work over the last two years. By working together, we made real progress in the 110th Congress, but historic challenges lie ahead as we begin the 111th.

“Our economy faces difficulties we have not seen in a generation. It will not be easy, but in the coming weeks and months, we will work to get our economy back on track. Any economic stimulus must contain two critical elements: one; create jobs in the short term and two; provide long-term, tangible benefits to our community. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I am committed to producing a stimulus plan that will get our economy back on track and ensure the maximum return for every single taxpayer dollar spent. Transparency and accountability will be key elements of any plan.

“Here in South Florida, international issues are on our doorstep. We cannot afford to turn away from the challenges our nation faces around the world. From wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and conflict in the Middle East to the international fight against terrorism and the need for more engagement in Latin America, we must navigate a rapidly changing world. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I will continue to fight for common-sense, bipartisan changes to our foreign policy. We as Americans must stand ready, and more vigilant than ever, to work with our democratic allies around the world to defend our common values and interest wherever they are threatened.

“In our great history, the American people have risen to meet every challenge that has faced our nation, and we will do so once again. We are all in this together, and those in the private and public sector, as well as members of both political parties, must and will come together to find the right long-term solutions.

“I will never forget that I work for you. I will rely on all of your insights, opinions and suggestions as we move forward and get to work tackling these critical issues. I hope that you will all stay in touch, and contact our office frequently to share your thoughts.

“Thank you.”