Hello Daily Kos,
At the end of the first week of the 111th Congress, and my first week on the job, I wanted to stop by to report on what's happening in D.C. and, more importantly, to hear from you.
As one of over 50 freshman sworn in by Speaker Pelosi on Tuesday afternoon, I think I can safely speak for all of us in saying I remain humbled by the responsibilities of the job and deeply honored that my constituents in Connecticut have entrusted me to serve them. Taking the oath of office on the House floor on Tuesday with my two daughters by my side, I was reminded of the responsibilities we all have to the next generation.
Luckily, from everything I've seen this week, it seems that both parties in Congress understand the magnitude of the economic crisis we are facing, and are prepared to work together to act quickly. I have been impressed with the level of seriousness and pragmatism that have characterized so many of the discussions I've had over the past few days, and I hope that in the coming months we can continue to work together with the same sense of purpose in tackling huge issues like health care and energy, and restoring the rule of law and our nation's reputation around the world. As a new member of the House Financial Services Committee, I also look forward to working with my new colleagues and the incoming Obama administration to bring smart, modernized regulation to the financial services sector.
As this new year, a new Congress, and a new Administration begins in a time of deep uncertainty, we are all going to need to work together and continue to talk to each other. And I will need to continue to hear from you, both through my offices in my district in Connecticut and in Washington D.C., and through more forums like this.
Thanks, and I will be around for about 30 minutes to answer any questions you might have in the comments below.