Smith Statement on Opening Day of 112th Congress

WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) today released the following statement after the 112th Congress was sworn-in by House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) this afternoon. This will be the first time Republicans will hold the majority in Congress since Smith was elected. "I congratulate Speaker Boehner for leading the fight to confront the challenges ahead. Our nation's debt is more than $14 trillion, unemployment has pushed 10 percent for months, and the government health care takeover continues to create a climate of uncertainty. Now is the time for Congress to take steps to put our fiscal house in order, enact job-creating measures, and relieve American businesses from burdensome government regulations. "Starting today, the House of Representatives begins the process of repealing and replacing the health care law, identifying tens of billions of dollars in spending cuts, and listening to the American people. We must make the most of this opportunity to do what is right for our country," Smith said.