WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) was sworn into the 111th Congress today as the U.S. House of Representatives convened for the first time this year.

“I’m excited to get to work.  We have a lot to do on our economy, on energy, and on health care.  It’s an honor and a responsibility to serve the constituents of Missouri’s Eighth Congressional district.  The next two years will be crucial to the long-term future of our nation, rural America in particular,” Emerson said.  “I’m very focused on strengthening Southern Missouri and bringing some fiscal responsibility to the House of Representatives.”

The first order of business for the House of Representatives was to vote to elect a Speaker of the House and to approve rules for the 111th session.  Emerson, who supported Republican Leader John Boehner for Speaker and opposed the new rules package, said the day did not bode well for increased cooperation and bipartisanship.

“The new House rules prohibit a lot of the dialogue we need to have between our two parties.  It’s true the Democrats are in control and we can have an up or down vote on anything they like, but at the same time there needs to be a voice for the opposition through amendments and procedural motions.  These rules don’t allow Republicans that voice.  When we are supposed to be working on behalf of Americans regardless of their political affiliations, we should not start this session by excluding nearly half of this Congress from expressing itself in the U.S. House of Representatives,” Emerson said.

Emerson, who is a co-chair of the bipartisan Center Aisle Caucus in the House, underscored the need for Congress to seek solutions from members of both the majority and the minority parties.

“The American people expect us to get along as we accomplish the work our nation needs to remain strong.  Today is, unfortunately, a setback in that effort, but it doesn’t change my plan or dampen my spirit.  I’m still going to work hard to represent Southern Missouri and American taxpayers, and my door is always open to anyone of either party who has a good idea about how we can move forward together.”