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House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, center, enters the House of Representatives chamber after surviving a roll call vote on Capitol Hill. Photo taken Jan. 3, 2013, by J. Scott Applewhite of the Associated Press.

Provided by Brittany Bramell, press secretary for John Boehner

Following is the full text of House Speaker John Boehner’s (R-OH) address to the opening session of the 113th Congress, as prepared for delivery:

“Leader Pelosi, members of the House and Senate, dear family and friends, fellow countrymen:

“We meet again at democracy’s great port of call. Every two years, at this hour, the Constitution brings a new order to this House. It is an interlude for reflection, a glimpse of old truths.

“To our new members and their families, welcome. You are likely feeling awestruck right about now. History runs through here. And now you are among a select few to share in this privilege.

“For those who are returning, who have walked these aisles before, maybe it’s time we feel awestruck again.

“The way our founders envisioned it, the republic would be led by citizens who recognize that the blessing of governing ourselves requires that we give something of ourselves. Everything depended on this. So they made each other – and their successors – swear an oath of allegiance.

“In a few moments, I will take this oath for the twelfth time as representative of the Eighth District of Ohio. It is word for word the same oath we all take.

“Note that it makes no mention of party, faction, or title … contains no reference to agendas or platforms – only to the Constitution.

“The one addition we dare to make, as George Washington did at the first inaugural, is to invoke the assistance of our Heavenly Father.

“This covenant makes us servants of posterity. It calls us to refuse the pull of passing interests and follow the fixed star of a more perfect union.

“Put simply, we are sent here not to be something, but to do something – to do the right thing. (more…)

Posted in: Government, News |

Tags: Tags: John Boehner, John Boehner 113th Congress, John Boehner Cincinnati, John Boehner West Chester, Speaker John Boehner, Speaker of the House

West Chester’s John Boehner becomes Speaker of the House

It didn’t take long for West Chester resident John Boehner to make news in 2011.

Just five days into the year, Boehner was officially elected the 61st Speaker of the House.

Locally, more news surrounding Boehner took place as protesters picketed throughout 2011 outside his West Chester office.

However, on Jan. 5, many local residents witnessed something that they may never see again.

“Well I am 63 and this has never happened before and I doubt it will ever happen again in my lifetime,” said Bill Langdon, owner of Grand Ole Pub in West Chester. “So, to me, it is much bigger than the Super Bowl. That happens every year. Having the Speaker of the House be your congressman? Never happened to me. This is a monumental event.”

• Photos of John Boehner’s Speaker of the House office
• Photos of John Boehner preparing for swear-in with staff
• Photos of John Boehner swearing-in party at Grand Ole Pub
• Photos of John Boehner through the years
• Photos of John Boehner becoming speaker

While many of the people felt a personal connection to Boehner just because they shared the same hometown, others have actually known the man before he was a congressman.

“I am trying to let this soak in,” Gary Cates, who has known Boehner for 28 years, said while watching the swearing-in of Boehner at the Grand Ole Pub. “To see this happen to someone you know is unbelievable. Outside of knowing the President of the United States personally, this is pretty big stuff.”

Cates actually knew him from the beginning when Boehner served as the president of the Lakota Hills homeowners association and as a Union Township trustee. At the time of Boehner’s swear in, Cates was an Ohio Senator. Now, Cates is the Senior Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Enterprise Development at the Ohio Board of Regents.

“He has really started at the grassroots level. It is a real great accomplishment on his part to persevere to get to where he is today,” Cates said. “I am sure I speak for a lot of people, we are all really proud of him for what he has done for our area.”

Former Cincinnati Enquirer caricature artist Jerry Dowling, who was involved in the Lakota Hills homeowners association back in the late 70s, was also at the bar to witness Boehner’s special moment.

“It is unbelievable that this could happen. No one expected John to rise up the way he has. This is just flabbergasting. We are so thrilled,” Dowling said.

Posted in: Election, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: Gary Cates, Grand Ole Pub, Grand Ole Pub West Chester Ohio, John Boehner, John Boehner Cincinnati, John Boehner office, John Boehner photos, John Boehner West Chester, Senator Gary Cates, Speaker of the House, West Chester top 11 stories of 2011, West Chester top stories of 2011

Speaker of the House and West Chester resident John Boehner remarked on the House floor today, Jan. 12, during consideration of a resolution condemning the tragic shooting in Tucson, Ariz., and honoring the victims.

On Sunday, Jan. 9, Boehner addressed the media in his hometown of West Chester about the attack that killed six people and injured 13 others, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

>>>PHOTOS OF BOEHNER ADDRESSING MEDIA IN WEST CHESTER<<<

“Today it is not ceremony, but tragedy that stirs us to renew our commitment to fulfill our oaths of office. Let us not let this inhuman act frighten us into doing otherwise,” Boehner said today on the House floor.

An emotional Boehner concluded:

“We will do it for Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, and Dorwan Stoddard, ordinary citizens who died participating in their democracy. We will do it for Judge John Roll. We will do it for Gabe Zimmerman. And we will do it, God-willing, with Gabrielle Giffords.

“Our hearts are broken, but our spirit is not. This is a time for the House to lock arms, in prayer for those fallen and wounded, and in resolve to carry on the dialogue of democracy. We may not yet have all the answers, but we already have the answer that matters most: that we are Americans, and together we will make it through this. We will have the last word.”

(If you are viewing this on your mobile device and the video above does not work – visit youtube for the video of John Boehner remarks on resolution condemning attack in Tucson)

Posted in: Crime, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: 8th Congressional District, Christina Taylor Green, death, Dorothy Morris, Dorwan Stoddard, Gabe Zimmerman, Gabrielle Giffords, John Boehner, Judge John Roll, Phyllis Schneck, shooting, Speaker of the House

Speaker of the House and West Chester resident John Boehner sent a letter today, Jan. 11, to President Barack Obama formally inviting him to deliver a State of the Union address. The joint session of Congress will take place Jan. 25, 2011, in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capital.

The text of the letter can be found below:

Dear Mr. President:

A new Congress provides us a renewed opportunity to find common ground and address the priorities of the American people. Our actions must be driven by their desire for freedom, economic recovery, and fiscal sensibility, as well as a need to rebuild the broken bonds of trust between the people and their government.

Recent events have reminded us of the imperfect nature of our representative democracy, but also how much we cherish the ideal that our government exists to serve the people. Even in the wake of tragedy, we must never waver from our obligation to carry out their will and provide solutions to keep moving our nation forward.

As many great challenges lie ahead for our nation, we welcome an opportunity to hear your proposals. Therefore, I am honored to invite you to offer an address on the State of the Union on January 25, 2011, before a Joint Session of Congress.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

JOHN A. BOEHNER
Speaker of the House

Posted in: Events, Government, News, Political events |

Tags: Tags: 8th Congressional District, Barack Obama, John Boehner, Speaker of the House, State of the Union

Speaker of the House and West Chester resident John Boehner addressed the local and national media this morning, Jan. 9, at the West Chester Township Hall and Administration Offices. Boehner spoke in response to the shooting that killed six people and injured 13 others, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, in Tucson, Ariz., according to the latest report from the Arizona Republic.

“An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve. Such acts of violence have no place in our society,” Boehner said.

Boehner also notified the media that, “normal business of the House this week has been postponed to take necessary actions regarding yesterday’s events.”

According to the latest Arizona Republic report, Giffords, who was shot in the head and critically wounded Saturday in what authorities say was a targeted attempt on her life, remains in critical condition this morning and is “not fully conscious,” but was following commands.

“The thoughts and prayers of the House and the nation are with the Congressman Giffords and her family,” Boehner said. “We are also praying for the families of all of those who were taken from us yesterday.”

Also according to the Arizona Republic, among the dead were U.S. District Judge John Roll, who had stopped to greet Giffords after attending morning Mass; Gabe Zimmerman, a 30-year-old aide to the congresswoman who was recently engaged; and Christina Taylor Green, a 9-year-old girl who had just been elected to her school’s student council. Also killed were Dorothy Murray, 76; Dorwin Stoddard, 76; and Phyllis Scheck, 79.

“I have ordered that the flags on the House side of the Capitol be flown at half-staff in Gabe’s honor,” Boehner said.

>>>PHOTOS OF BOEHNER ADDRESSING MEDIA IN WEST CHESTER<<<

Additional information about Giffords condition was detailed in the latest story:

Giffords underwent brain surgery after the shooting, which occurred shortly after 10 a.m. Saturday in the parking lot outside a Safeway on Oracle Road near Ina Road just outside Tucson. The bullet, from a semiautomatic pistol, entered her head from the front and exited through the rear after passing through her brain in what doctors described as a “through and through” injury.

Neurosurgeons at University Medical Center in Tucson operated on the congresswoman, and doctors were hopeful she would recover, Dr. Peter Rhee said during a news conference.

Giffords was following commands, a good sign, he said.

C.J. Karamargin, Giffords’ communications director said late Saturday that Giffords remained in critical condition in intensive care and was not fully conscience. However, he said Gifford’s deputy director Ron Barber, who was wounded in the shooting, was “doing very well” and speaking.

“I’m very optimistic about her recovery,” Rhee said.

For more on this report, visit the Arizona Republic’s story “Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords wounded in shooting.”

“Public service is a high honor, but these tragic events reminds us that all of us in our roles in service of our public citizens comes with a risk,” Boehner said. “This inhuman act should not and will not deter us from our calling to represent our constituents and fulfill our oaths of office. No act, no matter how heinous must be allowed to stop us from our duty.”

For more updates from the news source visit the Arizona Republic’s website.

The Cincinnati Enquirer was also at today’s press event, please visit its story entitled, “Boehner discusses Ariz. tragedy.”

(If you are viewing this on your mobile device and the video above does not work – visit youtube for the video of John Boehner addressing media in West Chester)

Posted in: Crime, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: 8th Congressional District, death, Gabrielle Giffords, John Boehner, shooting, Speaker of the House

Earlier today, Speaker of the House and West Chester resident John Boehner released a statement about the shooting outside in Tucson, Ariz. The shooting killed six people and injured 18, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, according to the Arizona Republic.

Boehner’s statement:

“I am horrified by the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and members of her staff. An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve. Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society. Our prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, all who were injured, and their families. This is a sad day for our country.”

According to an article by the Arizona Republic, Giffords is out of surgery and one of her surgeons said, “I’m very optimistic about her recovery.”

More from the article:

“She was shot one time in the head through and through,” Dr. Peter Rhee said at an afternoon news conference at University Medical Center in Tucson.

The bullet entered one side of her head and exited the other after passing through her brain, Rhee said.

Giffords, 40, a third-term Democrat, was shot at an event in Tucson Saturday morning, at a Safeway at Ina and Oracle roads. Authorities identified the gunman as Jared Loughner and said the 22-year-old suspect is in custody.

For more on the story visit the Arizona Republic’s story titled, “Congresswoman Giffords among 18 shot outside Arizona grocery.”

Boehner will address the media Sunday, Jan. 9, morning in West Chester.

(AP Picture of Boehner and Giffords – click to enlarge)

Posted in: Crime, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: 8th Congressional District, death, Gabrielle Giffords, John Boehner, shooting, Speaker of the House

West Chester resident John Boehner was elected the 61st Speaker of the House when the 112th Congress went into session Jan. 5, 2011, in Washington D.C.

“Hard work and tough decisions will be required of the 112th Congress,” Boehner said in his remarks. “No longer can we fall short. No longer can we kick the can down the road. The people voted to end business as usual, and today we begin carrying out their instructions.”

>>>PHOTOS OF JOHN BOEHNER BECOMING SPEAKER<<<

Many watched the event not wondering what the new Speaker was going to say, but wondering what he will do.

After shedding tears on election night and on a recent 60 Minutes interview, many expected the congressman to cry again.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Boehner cried again before his speech as he hugged House members and even as he listened to outgoing speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Back home in West Chester, Ohio Senator Gary Cates, who has known Boehner for 28 years, couldn’t help but get emotional before the official swearing-in ceremony.

“I don’t think anybody should expect for John Boehner not to get emotional today, I am emotional now,” Cates said as the House voted for its next Speaker. “When I see him up there, it is going to bring a tear to my eye. It is just a very special moment.”

Just describing the moment had Cates fighting back the tears.

“The reason John gets emotional, is because John is a very caring person,” Cates said. “There are things that get him choked up because he cares so much about people.”

This time, Boehner, who said the word “people” twelve times in his 11-minute speech, was successful in fighting back the tears.

(If you are viewing this on your mobile device and the video above does not work – visit youtube for the video of John Boehner becoming Speaker of the House)

Posted in: Election, Events, Government, News, Political events, Tea Party |

Tags: Tags: 8th Congressional District, Gary Cates, John Boehner, photo gallery, photos, Senator Gary Cates, Speaker of the House, speech

Approximately 400 friends, family members and constituents traveled to Washington D.C. to witness the swearing-in of John Boehner as the 61st Speaker of the House. Back in his hometown, a crowd of his supporters gathered at the Grand Ole Pub.

The atmosphere was the equivalent of a Super Bowl party. Bar goers cheered on their man (John Boehner) and heckled their enemy (outgoing speaker Nancy Pelosi).

“Well I am 63 and this has never happened before and I doubt it will ever happen again in my lifetime,” Grand Ole Pub owner Bill Langdon said. “So, to me, it is much bigger than the Super Bowl. That happens every year. Having the Speaker of the House be your congressman, never happened to me. This is a monumental event.”

>>>PHOTOS OF BOEHNER PARTY AT GRAND OLE PUB<<<

Many of the people who visited bar felt a personal connection to Boehner just because they share the same hometown, others have actually known the man before he was a congressman.

“I am trying to let this soak in,” said Ohio Senator Gary Cates, who has known Boehner for 28 years. “To see this happen to someone you know is unbelievable. Outside of knowing the President of the United States personally, this is pretty big stuff.”

Cates actually knew him from the beginning when Boehner served as the president of the Lakota Hills homeowners association and as a Union Township trustee.

>>>PHOTOS OF BOEHNER THROUGH THE YEARS<<<

“He has really started at the grassroots level. It is a real great accomplishment on his part to persevere to get to where he is today,” Cates said. “I am sure I speak for a lot of people, we are all really proud of him for what he has done for our area.”

Former Cincinnati Enquirer caricature artist Jerry Dowling, who was involved in the Lakota Hills homeowners association back in the late 70s, was also at the American Pub to witness Boehner’s special moment.

“It is unbelievable that this could happen. No one expected John to rise up the way he has. This is just flabbergasting. We are so thrilled.”

Judging by the celebration at the West Chester bar so is his community.

“He is the American dream,” Langdon said. “He came from humble beginnings, in a small house with eleven brothers and sisters. He started out as a small businessman. That is quite a journey in one lifetime. That is the American dream.”

Posted in: Business, Election, Events, Government, News, Political events, Tea Party |

Tags: Tags: 8th Congressional District, American, American pub, bars, business, business news, Gary Cates, GOP, Grand Ole Pub, Grand Ole Pub West Chester Ohio, John Boehner, photo gallery, photos, Senator Gary Cates, Speaker of the House

The swearing-in of West Chester resident John Boehner as the 61st Speaker of the House is scheduled to take place today, Jan. 5, at approximately 1 p.m. About 400 friends, family and constituents of Boehner traveled to Washington D.C. for the special event. While back in Southwest Ohio, many will be watching along on television.

>>>PHOTOS: BOEHNER PREPARES FOR SWEAR-IN WITH STAFF JAN. 4<<<

The actual swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at approximately 1 p.m. Coverage of the event will be televised on C-SPAN and most cable news networks. Locally, Fox 19 will also be covering the event live.

>>>PHOTOS OF JOHN BOEHNER’S NEW OFFICE<<<

Just prior to the swearing-in ceremony, the House will go into session and have a formal vote for Speaker of the House.

Cincinnati Enquirer reporter Howard Wilkinson, who is in Washington covering the event, detailed the day’s event in an article for Cincinnati.com:

At approximately 1 p.m., after the 112th Congress has been gaveled into session, an already determined vote will be taken and Boehner – the Reading native and Moeller High School graduate who has represented Ohio’s 8th Congressional District for 20 years – will be handed the gavel by outgoing speaker Nancy Pelosi, completing the transfer of power that began Nov. 2 when the Republicans regained control of Congress.

Wilkinson also went into detail of other activities that will be taking place prior and after the official swear-in. For more on that story visit Cincinnati.com.

(photo is a vintage John Boehner campaign flyer – click to enlarge – which was provided by John Boehner’s office)

Posted in: Election, Events, Government, News, Political events, Tea Party |

Tags: Tags: 8th Congressional District, Howard Wilkinson, John Boehner, photo gallery, photos, Speaker of the House

Cincinnati Enquirer reporter Howard Wilkinson and photographer Michael E. Keating took a tour of John Boehner’s new office yesterday, Jan. 3, in Washington D.C. The office of the Speaker of the House was described by Wilkinson as “a large complex of rooms spread out over three floors on the House side of the Capitol.”

>>>PHOTOS OF JOHN BOEHNER’S NEW OFFICE<<<

Last evening, Wilkinson posted a blog on Cincinnati.com about the experience:

Most impressive is the office Boehner will use. His desk is rather small and not that impressive, but the view from the window directly in front of where he will sit is breath-taking – a full-on view of the west Capitol steps, the Reflecting Pool, the National Mall and the Washington Monument in the distance.

“The first time I walked out here, I was just stunned by the view,” said long-time Boehner aide Dave Schnittger. “It’s really a humbling feeling, to stand here and see all of this.”

Just outside the window is an outdoor balcony, with lounge chairs and tables. Presumably, this is where the incoming speaker will go to smoke a cigarette when the urge strikes.

Wilkinson also wrote that out-going Speaker Nancy Pelosi had her staff haul out the last of their files, furniture and decorations out of the offices on Dec. 23. Due to the brief period of time Boehner’s new office “is still a work in process” according to Keating.

For more from Wilkinson, visit the Politics Extra blog on Cincinnati.com.

John Boehner will be sworn in as the 61st Speaker of the House Wednesday, Jan. 5 at approximately 1 p.m. An hour before the swear-in, the House will go into session and conduct a formal vote for Speaker of the House.

This morning, Boehner supporters were picked up in West Chester and in Troy and are en route to Washington, D.C. for the event. About 400 friends, family and constituents are traveling to the nation’s capital to celebrate the swear-in.

Posted in: Election, Events, Government, News, Political events, Tea Party |

Tags: Tags: 8th Congressional District, Howard Wilkinson, John Boehner, photo gallery, photos, Speaker of the House