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| Schock Takes Oath As Youngest Congressman |
The area's newest Congressman, and the youngest man currently serving in Congress, says he's already had a whirlwind couple of days.
Aaron Schock took his oath of office Tuesday to officially start representing the 18th District, a portion of which is in Knox and other area counties.
The Peoria Republican talked with WGIL Wednesday and says his first two days in office he won't soon forget, even if it gets busier from here. "It's been very exciting. I had most of my family and siblings and parents and neices and nephews, along with about 100 supporters that came out from the district to celebrate (Tuesday) on the swearing in," Schock said. "Most of what happened (Tuesday) was perfunctory, and then (Wednesday) we took our first series of votes. I anticipate the next couple of weeks being pretty busy as we prepare for President-Elect (Barack Obama) being sworn in."
Schock says there's a sense that Congress wants to have a number of bills ready for President-Elect Barack Obama to sign as soon as he can, with the down economy being tops on that list.
The House would normally conduct the swearing-in ceremonies then recess until after the inauguration, and while it was Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi who determined work needed to be done now, Schock says he prefers it that way.
Schock replaces Ray LaHood in the 18th District. LaHood had announced his retirement but instead is Obama's nominee for Transportation Secretary.
(A group of supporters watches as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, center left, administers the oath of office to Rep. Aaron Schock, center right. Photo Courtesy Rep. Aaron Schock.) |
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| 01 08 09 by Newsroom |
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