At noon on Jan 5, the 112th Congress was sworn in at the U.S. Capitol. This new Congress brings in 106 freshman members, with 87 new Republicans and 9 new Democrats in the House of Representatives alone. This Congress will also bring and a new Republican majority in the House of Representatives and a slimmed-down majority for the Democrats in the Senate.
Incoming Speaker of the House and former House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) and Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) will lead this new Congress as it tackles a plethora of issues including education, such as the upcoming reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, known now as No Child Left Behind.
In his
speech addressing Congress, Rep. Boehner reminded the House of Representatives of their duty to the American people. "The American people have humbled us,” he said. “They have refreshed our memories as to just how temporary the privilege to serve is. They have reminded us that everything here is on loan from them. That includes this gavel, which I accept cheerfully and gratefully, knowing I am but its caretaker. After all, this is the people’s House. This is their Congress. It’s about them, not us. What they want is a government that is honest, accountable and responsive to their needs. A government that respects individual liberty, honors our heritage, and bows before the public it serves.” In the Senate, Senators were sworn in by the President of the Senate, Vice President Joe Biden, who offered each of them his congratulations.
CEC looks forward to working with this new Congress as these issues come to the floor. To read CEC’s policies regarding ESEA reauthorization, click here. To find your Members of Congress, please visit CEC’s Legislative Action Center.
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