Today, the House re-elected Rep. Frank Chopp to serve as Speaker of the House. Here are his remarks:Thank you Christine [Rolfes], for your kind remarks.
Congratulations Pat [Sullivan], on your new post as Majority Leader.
Congratulations Richard [DeBolt], on your election as Republican Leader.
And congratulations to all the new and returning members.
WELCOME TO THE PEOPLE’S HOUSE!
As we represent the people, let’s remember the best traditions of our nation.
In America, we honor those who have gone before us, who sacrificed for us, and who faced far greater hardships than we do today.
Years ago, sitting at the kitchen table with my parents, hearing their stories of living through the Great Depression, I never thought that this nation would ever again see such financial hard times.
While times are indeed tough, we need to remember that we are very fortunate compared to those who went before us.
In America, we embrace change… and innovation…. and reform….. and energy….. and action!
Democracy is designed to continually re-generate and re-new our government.
Given our financial challenges, that renewal must move faster.
For every important challenge we face, we must find a real solution.
We can be inspired by positive ideals, but we must also be prepared with creative ideas, and ready for sustained, hard work over time.
In America, ---- we care for one another. We recognize our common humanity.
The notion of people looking out for one another is fundamental to being American.
If we carelessly decimate the safety and security of our most vulnerable citizens, we make all of us less safe ---- less secure.
Instead, we must thoughtfully dedicate ourselves to reform and recharge the lifelines, for those among us who need our help.
In America, we mobilize to meet the challenges before us ----- to get the job done.
At our core, we are an optimistic people.
In America, we believe in a better future for our kids.
We cannot let the excess of Wall Street become an excuse for not making sure that every child is healthy, ready to learn, and has the opportunity to get a great education.
It is the best hope for their future, and for our future.
We, the representatives of the people, can be part of these American traditions.
And so, every one of us must do our part to help create a better future for all.
We must do our part to help turn the Great Recession into the Great Recovery.
We can do this ---- if we work together -----and look beyond the current state of affairs ---- if we stay focused on the possibilities of new ways to solve old problems.
We can rise to the occasion.
We owe it to our parents, and to our children.
This is America after all!
Thank you.
