Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Penn.) took the oath of office yesterday, as the 108th session of Congress officially began at noon.
In remarks following the ceremony, Congressman Shuster reflected on the year that passed and looked forward to the upcoming session. “As I reflect back on the year that has passed, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the people of the Ninth District who elected me to represent them in our nation’s capital. It is both an honor and a privilege and you have my commitment that I will continue to be the strongest advocate possible for central and western Pennsylvania.
“Looking toward the upcoming session of Congress, there is still much work that needs to be accomplished and we have a responsibility to deliver for the American people. One of our main priorities when we begin today will be to implement a plan to provide immediate job growth while laying the groundwork for long-term economic development. In addition, we will quickly move to extend benefits to those who lost their jobs through no fault of their own,” said Shuster.
Congressman Shuster noted that providing a prescription-drug benefit for seniors and medical malpractice reform will also be high priorities in the 108th session. “One of our main priorities this year will be to curb the increasing costs of prescription drugs for seniors who need assistance. In addition, many states, Pennsylvania included, are facing a crisis in health care. Doctors who can’t afford wildly escalating insurance costs are leaving our state and sometimes deciding to stop practicing medicine altogether. This Congress must act to help correct this situation and curb frivolous lawsuits,” said Shuster.
The ninth district congressman also stated that the war on terror will continue to be at the top of the agenda for this Congress. “As our troops protect us abroad, this Congress will continue to make sure that they are the best-trained, best-equipped and best-paid forces in the world. To defeat terrorism on every front, we have to make sure that our troops have all the tools they need to execute their mission. Part of that mission will include ensuring that Iraq complies with all United Nations resolutions, including free and unrestricted inspections and proof that it maintains no weapons of mass destruction. In addition, we will continue to take steps to ensure that our homeland is safe from attack. A large part of that charge will be organizing and creating the new Department of Homeland Security,” said Shuster.
