On the recordMarch 13, 2014
I thank you and my new colleagues. Ms. Ros- Lehtinen and Ms. Brown, thank you very much. To the people of Florida's 13th Congressional District, I want to say thank you today for giving me a remarkable life opportunity, the opportunity to serve. For my new colleagues, I simply want you to know two things about this new Member. First, I believe in this institution, the people's House. I believe in all that is good and right about this institution, the opportunity that this institution has to make our Nation better, to direct our Nation down the right path, to solve problems for all of us, and to secure for every American the sacred blessings of liberty. The second thing I would like you to know about this new Congressman is I believe in civility. I had a wonderful opportunity to work for a man with whom you each served, and he left an indelible legacy in this House--one of civility. We are all elected to fight for our communities and to fight for our constituents. We are elected to fight for our convictions, for the causes we believe in, but it is a fight for the future of our country; it is not a fight against each other, and I know that. We have had a nationally watched race. That race is over, and now it is time for me as a Member of Congress of this body to join with each of you to follow in the footsteps you have made in serving your community as I begin to serve mine. You have my commitment today to work with each and every one of you. I look forward to it.…
