[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 17864]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    WELCOMING THE HONORABLE TOM REED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

  The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from New York is 
recognized for 1 minute.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. KING of New York. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
  I can't imagine an any more delicate moment to be sworn into Congress 
than when 434 Members are looking to leave, but if anyone is prepared 
for it, it is Tom Reed.
  Tom Reed is well prepared to be in the House of Representatives. He 
was raised with 11 other children. He knows what turbulence is all 
about, and he is extremely, extremely well qualified. He is a former 
practicing attorney, a businessman, a mayor, and an absolutely 
dedicated man in his community. He is a good friend of all of ours and 
of Amo Houghton's.
  He is here today with his wife, Jean, and with his children, Will and 
Autumn--beautiful children, a beautiful family.
  Without any further adieu, I am really proud and privileged to 
present to you the newest Congressman from the State of New York, Mayor 
Tom Reed.
  Mr. REED. I thank you, Madam Speaker, for welcoming me to this 
Chamber, and thank you, Congressman King, for introducing me to the 
House.
  I would like to thank my wife, Jean; my children, Autumn and Will; 
and my family and friends. Without them, I would not be here.
  I would also like to look to Heaven and hope my mother and father are 
proud and will guide me and us in this new endeavor.
  As we begin this journey, the time for talk has come and gone. The 
campaigns are over, and the American people have spoken. Now is the 
time for service.
  And though we may have our differences, let us invoke the spirit of 
those who stood in this very Chamber to solve the perils of our 
Nation's past and, through our vigorous debate, complete our work so 
our Nation will rise to a greatness not yet seen on the face of the 
Earth. Our debate should always be dynamic, and while we may disagree 
at times, we shall at all times conduct ourselves with humility and 
civility toward all.
  Though we may appear on occasion to be rivals in this Chamber, I 
pledge to you and let us always remember and pledge to each other that 
we are forever countrymen, who proudly swear allegiance to our flag and 
will forever stand united against all enemies, foreign and domestic, so 
help us God.
  Finally, it is with great pride that I join this institution thanks 
to the people of New York's 29th Congressional District. Over the last 
2 years, I have heard your concerns, and I will represent you with all 
my heart, all my mind, and all my soul. I promise to serve you with 
dignity and dedication as we restore the opportunity for success that 
every American deserves.
  Thank you, and I am so proud to call each and every one of you 
friends and colleagues.

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