Boehner swears in Bonamici as newest House member

Suzanne Bonamici, who won election to the House in a special election in Oregon last week, was sworn in by House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) Tuesday afternoon.

Bonamici, a Democrat, beat out Republican candidate Rob Cornilles in an election that was called to fill the seat vacated by Rep. David Wu (D), who resigned in disgrace last year after reports that he was involved in a sexual encounter with an 18-year-old girl.

Bonamici, an Italian-American and a former consumer protection attorney at the Federal Trade Commission, said in remarks to her new colleagues that she wants to help restore the American dream.

"There are too many families still struggling to make ends meet, and they want to know that their voices are heard in our deliberations," she said.

"Our economy and the nation's confidence are both in need of rebuilding. As we work together, let us remember that the unparalleled prosperity and creativity of this great nation over the last century can be traced to this promise: that if you work hard and play by the rules you can succeed in America.

"That's the America that my grandparents crossed the ocean for, that's the America too many believe is slipping away, and that's the America I want to work to rebuild."

Bonamici was briefly interrupted at the start of her remarks by Boehner, who gently reminded her that the presiding officer must recognize members before they speak. "The gentlewoman from Oregon is recognized," Boehner said to laughs in the chamber, an informal jest that the Speaker has played on other new members as they arrive.