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Washington, DC -
U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) was officially sworn in to serve a fourth full term as a Member of the 108th Congress in a ceremony held this afternoon on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Emerson stated "I am very excited about beginning work in the 108th Congress. The 108th Congress has a daunting list of tasks to accomplish including finishing work on a Medicare prescription drug benefit, improving trade for our farmers and ranchers and completing our federal highway bill. I am optimistic we can get the job done and wherever the road may take us, I remain committed to focusing my energies on ensuring that the values we hold dear in Southern Missouri -- faith, family and community -- are the principles that guide my work in Congress."
Emerson filed several pieces of legislation immediately following the swearing-in ceremony. The initiatives introduced by Emerson would:
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establish a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution,
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establish a voluntary school prayer amendment to the Constitution,
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establish a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the fundamental right to life,
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establish a constitutional amendment prohibiting the desecration of the United States flag,
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restore equity in monthly Social Security benefits for Notch Babies,
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establish a Medicare Eligible Military Retiree Health Care Consensus Task Force,
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allow a refundable tax credit to military retirees for Medicare Part B premiums.
Emerson concluded, "The bills I have introduced today reflect the unique character and values that Southern Missourians hold dear. I am proud to take the lead again on legislative initiatives that make clear every life is sacred, that protect our right to free religious expression, and that demonstrate our pride and our respect for our nation's veterans and seniors. These values truly represent the heart of rural America and I remain committed to preserving the integrity of these values and the voice of Missouri's Eighth District."
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