Congressman Eric Swalwell Joins the 113th Congress, Thanks Supporters

January 3, 2013

Congressman Eric Swalwell Ceremonial Swearing-In Event

Congressman Eric Swalwell Takes the Oath

January 3, 2013: New members of the 113th Congress, their families, friends and supporters woke in Washington, D.C. to the coldest day so far this winter – a crisp 17 degrees and with the biting cold, bright sunlight followed for ceremonial pictures across the Capitol.

Over 160 supporters of Congressman-Elect Eric Swalwell rose early, dressed sharply and met promptly on the East Capitol Steps for a photo that will likely find its way on to many Facebook pages. And it was a good thing people arrived on-time – other groups preceded and followed Swalwell’s contingent for the popular photo backdrop (notably, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and a group of women Representatives). After the group photo, Swalwell’s Cannon House Office hosted its first party, its guest book recording a long list of supporters, while Swalwell left for the House.

With each member only getting two passes to attend the official swearing-in, Congressman Swalwell arranged a ceremonial event for supporters in the Longworth House Office Building, home to House Committee hearing rooms and Congressional Offices.

Congressman Eric Swalwell, “I was very proud today to take the oath of office and bring much needed new energy and ideas to the 113th Congress. I am honored by the trust placed in me by the constituents of California’s 15th Congressional District, and I will work hard every day to listen to their interests and work for them in the House of Representatives.”

Ceremonial Swearing In Event

Appropriately, the ceremonial event was delayed as the House convened for a series of votes – Congressman Swalwell’s first votes – on procedural matters. With Swalwell freed from his first official duties, a series of speakers addressed the standing room only event including House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher and Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley. Swalwell reiterated his commitment to never forget how his unlikely journey to represent California’s 15th Congressional District was accomplished, and that he would never take for granted the citizens of the District.

A day of firsts for Dublin High School and the City of Dublin ended with a celebration at Tortilla Coast, a Capitol Hill favorite minutes from Swalwell’s new office, and the restaurant where he worked as a server during a tour of duty as an intern in former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher’s office years ago.

Next article in this three part series.