LaMalfa officially joins 113th Congress

Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) took the oath of office today in the Chambers of the United States House of Representatives and became the north state's first new Congressman since Wally Herger started his first term in 1987.

LaMalfa is one of 84 freshman members of the 113th Congress. Together with the freshman members from 2011, a large portion of the House has spent two or fewer years in the Capitol, according to a release from LaMalfa's office.

LaMalfa issued the following statement after the swearing-in ceremony:

"Serving the North State in the House of Representatives is an honor and responsibility that I take very seriously. Our friends and neighbors placed their faith in me as the North State's voice in the Capitol, and I will work to uphold that trust.

"I want to take a moment to thank Wally Herger for his years of service to Northern California and our Country. I am honored to be his friend and to have the opportunity to continue many of his efforts, such as the Quincy Library Group forestry reform proposals.

"With so many newly elected and very recently elected members of Congress I am hopeful that we can change Washington for the better. Our nation faces difficult challenges that will require thoughtful consideration to resolve. However, it is important to recognize that many of these challenges were created by an overzealous government and that many of the solutions will come from restraining its growth.

"I am committed to forging agreements that represent the North State's values and excited to officially begin this fight to protect our way of life. The constituents of California's First District have my sincere thanks and respect, and I look forward to serving them in the House."

Doug LaMalfa represents California's First Congressional District, which includes Siskiyou, Shasta, Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sierra, and Tehama counties.