Rep. Ron Barber (D-Ariz.) was sworn into office Tuesday afternoon to replace Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), and pledged in brief remarks to his new colleagues to work across the political aisle on issues that concern all Americans.
"I am going to approach my work for the people of Southern Arizona with an eye not towards partisan victory, but towards American achievement," he said.
Barber listed of several issues he wants to work on, including a few that concern each party. For example, he said Congress must work to protect middle-class families, but also honor military families.
"We must ensure the dignity and health of every American senior in retirement. We must secure our border so that border residents are safe on their land, and impede the flow of drugs into our communities," he added.
"I look forward to working across party lines to achieve these goals for the good of my constituents and for all Americans."
Barber won a special election in Arizona's 8th District last week to take over for Giffords, who retired earlier this year to spend more time recovering from a shooting in 2011 that left her and Barber wounded and six others dead.
Barber was greeted on the House floor by several standing ovations, and brief welcoming remarks from Reps. Ed Pastor (D-Ariz.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.).
"Gabby, Southern Arizona misses you dearly and we cannot wait to have you home," he said of Giffords.
Barber thanked his wife Nancy and extended family, and noted that he would celebrate his 45th wedding anniversary on Wednesday.
"To my family in the gallery and my grandchildren with me on the floor … thank you all of you, my family, for your support and love, without which I would not be here today," he said.
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