Congressman Bill Enyart sworn into office

Washington – Congressman Bill Enyart (D-Belleville) was officially sworn into the 113th Congress by House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) Jan. 3.

Enyart, who replaces retiring Congressman Jerry Costello in the 12^th Congressional District of Southern Illinois, will hold a community swearing-in in Belleville later this month.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the voice of Southern Illinois in Washington,” Enyart said. “It is a privilege and tremendous responsibility to take on the challenges our families face. Southern Illinois is blessed with a talented workforce, abundant natural resources, and a powerful sense of community. I have every confidence that by working together we can create a strong economic future for all of our families and protect the Southern Illinois way of life we share.”

The House Democratic Caucus approved the appointment of Enyart to the House Armed Services Committee late last month. Enyart comes to the job with sterling credentials as the retired Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard.

Enyart said while he was pleased to be named to the Armed Services Committee, two of his top priorities remain fighting for the return of good manufacturing jobs and protecting programs seniors depend on in Southern Illinois.

“I will be a strong advocate and a persistent fighter for the farmers in Monroe County, the Coal Miners in Franklin County, the Steel Workers in Granite City, and everyone else in between,” Enyart said.