YouTube video (8:35)
BY DAVE PARRO
Rep. Bill Foster was sworn in as the new 14th District congressman Tuesday afternoon on the House floor. Watch the video of the ceremony and his remarks and see the campaign press release and a letter to his supporters below.
From the Foster campaign:
Bill Foster Sworn In As Member of Congress
Foster promises to represent 14th District and work across the aisle to address the challenges facing this country
(Washington, DC) - Today, scientist and businessman Bill Foster was sworn into office as the member of Congress representing Illinois' 14th District. Foster took the oath of office on the floor of the House of Representatives beside his Democratic and Republican colleagues.
"It is my solemn hope that we have less shouting in Washington, and more problem solving. We need to work together for energy independence, for tax cuts for middle class families, to expand health care to more children, for a return to fiscal discipline and for a new direction in Iraq," Congressman Foster said.
Foster was elected on Saturday in a special election to complete the term of former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert. The 14th District stretches across Northern Illinois, from the far western suburbs of Chicago, including Aurora and Elgin, almost to the Mississippi River.
"When it comes to the issues we face in this nation, I plan on approaching them as a scientist - and that means listening to both sides and doing what's right for the people of Illinois and America. As the newest member of Congress, my message to this body from the people I met during my campaign is that families across this country want us to act differently. At a time of crisis around the world and economic trouble here at home, Americans want us to end the divisions between us and work together to solve the problems we face," said Foster. "Many of the challenges this country faces are economic and they are technological, and as a scientist and businessman, I look forward to tackling these issues together."
"As someone who spent more than 20 years working in a lab - I can tell you without a moment's hesitation - that we, as Americans, have the intelligence, the ingenuity and the technology to solve the problems we face. I know we have the desire. Through bipartisanship we can achieve the changes all of us seek," Foster added.
Foster has lived in the Fox Valley - part of the 14th District - for over 23 years, where he raised two children. As a physicist at Fermilab in Batavia, Foster was involved with the discovery of the top Quark. Prior to his scientific career, Foster and his brother friend founded a company - Electronic Theater Controls, which now provides over 70% of the theater lighting in the United States.
See his letter to supporters here.
How cool is that? Thanks for posting Dave.
My old Congressman introduces my newest Congressman.
The compliments to Hastert were classy. The welcome from the Republican Manzullo was classy too.
Awesome!! We shall see, but I think we have a good Congressman. Hope he looks out for the best interests of the Congressional pages too!
I'll second the thanks for posting this Dave.
A class act and good beginning for Rep. Foster.
Nice they were able to get him sworn in quickly
so that the 14th Dist will once again have a vote,
voice and advocate representing us in Congress.
Wishing Rep. Foster all the best as he begins his
service and learning the ropes over the coming weeks.
It will be a welcome change, for me, to have a fresh
face in Washington who hearkens back to the likes of
Sen. Simon.
Time for some scientific method and empirical approaches
to hold more sway. It's far past time that common sense
approaches be more common in undertaking the serious issues
confronting our country.
Do you dems really think that this will stick? Foster should consider renting instead of buying.
Foster winning should really be no surprise! Oberwies is a terrible candidate-how many elections does he need to lose before he goes away and just sells his ice cream? Republicans will have no chance in November unless he withdraws and Lauzen is slated! In the meantime, hang onto your wallets as Foster has said he will not support the extension of Bush's tax cuts (which benifitted the middle and lower middle class, contrary to what the liberals all claim!!)