Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steve Austria (R- Beavercreek) today was sworn into the 112^thCongress by House Speaker John Boehner (R- West Chester).  This marks the beginning of Austria’s second term, in which he will now serve as a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

“It is an honor to represent the constituents of Ohio’s 7th district in the new Congress,” Austria said.  “I was proud to cast my first vote in the 112^thCongress to elect my friend and colleague from Ohio, John Boehner, as our new Speaker.  I am excited about the opportunities over the next two years and working under the leadership of Speaker Boehner with the rest of my colleagues in the House.”

This marks the beginning of Austria’s second term serving the constituents of Ohio’s 7th Congressional District.  The district is comprised of Clark, Fairfield, Greene, Fayette, Pickaway and Perry counties, as well as parts of Ross and Franklin counties. Austria is only the 35th person to represent this portion of Ohio. 

Austria was recently selected to serve as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which wields control over all discretionary spending.  As a key part of the House Republican’s strategy to bring fiscal responsibility back to Washington, the committee is expected to reduce spending levels by conducting important oversight of government agencies and eliminating wasteful spending.

“The first step to moving this country forward is to stop the wasteful spending in Washington which is putting the future of children and grandchildren in jeopardy,” Austria commented.  “My colleagues and I have shown our commitment to this cause by adopting a rules package that will give us the tools necessary to cut federal spending.  In fact, we will vote tomorrow to make significant cuts to our own budgets.”

The new rules package adopted today dictates how business is to be conducted in the House during the 112^thCongress.  The first item of business before the House will be to vote on a resolution to reduce its own budget to immediately save tax payers $35 million. 

“Finding more ways to reduce the national debt and improve the economy by creating an environment of growth to foster job creation will be high priorities for this Congress.  As a member of the House Appropriations Committee I am eager to get to work addressing these important issues, as well as better serve Ohio and our regions military facilities. ”

Military facilities in Ohio’s 7^thCongressional District include Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Springfield Air National Guard Base, Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base and Defense Supply Center Columbus.

Prior to serving in U.S. Congress, Austria served eight years in the Ohio Senate and two years in the Ohio House of Representatives.  The Congressman has resided in Beavercreek for the past 20 years, where he currently lives with his wife and their three sons.  In the previous Congress, Austria served as a member of the House Budget and House Homeland Security Committees.

-30-