WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Charles Rangel joined House Speaker John Boehner and other Members of the New York Congressional Delegation on the House floor to welcome newly-elected Representative Robert Turner, who won the special election race in NY-9 on Tuesday, September 13, 2011.

As Dean of the New York Congressional Delegation, Rangel emphasized the Delegation's longstanding tradition of bipartisanship before introducing Rep. Turner before the Congress.

Read the full text of the swearing-in ceremony below. 

Mr. Rangel: "Most of us know that we are honored, so honored to be Members of this august Body. And that whenever we have an election, the one winner clearly are Members of the Congress, the Constitution, and our great country. We from New York have the special history of not being partisan in working together for our districts, our communities, our country, and Peter King has been here long enough to remember the days when adversaries could also be friends."

"So on behalf of the Congress and the New York delegation, we all welcome the Honorable Bob Turner in joining our group, and we in this state delegation look forward to working with him. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield to my friend, my distinguished friend, Peter King, from the great state of New York."

Mr. King: "Thank you, Congressman Rangel. As all of you know, this is not something we used to do in -- we are used to doing in New York. But it's a great moment, it's a great moment for New York, it's a great moment for the people of the ninth congressional district, and it's a special privilege to me to be able to introduce our newly elected member. Bob Turner is an army veteran. He was an extremely successful businessman. Most importantly he's the proud husband of Peggy, proud father of five children. Proud grandfather of 13 children. And I can tell you a great friend and a great human being. He's going to make an outstanding congressman. I am so proud to be here today for Bob Turner as I have been during the years I have come to know him and respect him. He's going to be a truly, truly outstanding addition to this body and great fighter for the people of New York. With that, Chairman Rangel.

Mr. Rangel: Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the great privilege of bringing to you our newly elected member, the honorable bob turner.

Mr. Turner: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Congressman Rangel.  It's with true humility I accept this awesome responsibility. And I pledge not to forget how I got here. It was an important bipartisan election. It's the only way it can be done in New York City. And I'll also promise not to forget why I'm here and it's the future, which is ably represented here by these handsome grandchildren, not even the whole brood. Follow a good example and be brief, thank you.