Garamendi, Thompson sworn in as part of 116th Congress
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
Lake County’s two members of Congress were sworn in on Thursday as part of the 116th Congress.
Congressman John Garamendi (California Third District), who represents the northern half of Lake County, and Congressman Mike Thompson (California Fifth District), who represents the southern portion of Lake County, took their oaths and looked forward to the work ahead.
“I am thankful to my constituents in Solano, Sacramento, Yolo, Sutter, Yuba, Colusa, Glenn and Lake counties for the privilege of representing them in the 116th Congress. Today, as I took my oath of office, I was reminded of the awesome responsibility I have to ‘create a more perfect union,’ to act in all ways consistent with the Constitution, to advance economic and social opportunities for all Americans, to protect our home, the Earth, from the destruction of climate change, and to secure the safety of our country from domestic and foreign threats,” Garamendi said upon leaving the House Chamber,” Garamendi said.
“As my Democratic colleagues and I assume our responsibilities as the majority party in the U.S. House of Representatives, we are determined to carry out the programs and policies on which we campaigned. Restore good paying middle class jobs with a robust infrastructure program, address climate change, guarantee quality and affordable health care to every American regardless of pre-existing conditions, enact tough anti-corruption laws, and make sure everyone has a good education to ensure they have the skills to succeed, all the while maintaining a strong military to address the many threats that confront our nation,” Garamendi said.
“Sadly, the first task facing our new Congress will be to negotiate an end to President Trump’s government shutdown. I want to secure our borders and curb illegal immigration. President Trump seems to just demand a ‘wall.’ Everyone knows that a wall alone will not solve illegal immigration and the multitude of issues in our out-of-date immigration laws. So today, the first day of the new 116th Congress, I joined my Democratic colleagues to fund all federal agencies through the remainder of this fiscal year (September 30) except the Department of Homeland Security, which we would fund until February 8 to create time for bipartisan negotiations on border security and immigration reform. Democrats are working to get your government back in operation and allow time for negotiations on the wall to continue,” he continued.
“Yes, I’m excited by the challenge and the work ahead, but I know that I can only succeed in meeting the challenge with the continued support and advice of my constituents,” he said.
Garamendi asked constituents to take the time to contact me through his Web site at http://garamendi.house.gov.
Thompson celebrated the historic majority’s priorities for the coming session.
“Across our district and our nation, the people sent a message at the ballot box in November – they wanted a new Congress that would actually work for them. Today, the new, historic Democratic majority delivered. I am honored to stand with the most diverse group of colleagues ever and honored that we are taking a stand to repair our democracy and bring integrity back to Congress,” he said.
“Make no mistake – this Congress will continue to make history. From working to prevent gun violence to strengthening protections for people with pre-existing conditions, we will take action the American people have been demanding.”