By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-971435.mp3
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative-elect Kathy Hochul was sworn in during the 3'o'clock hour Wednesday on the House floor at the Capital building in Washington.
House Speaker John Boehner presided over the ceremony which lasted almost eight minutes.
Hochul appeared in a navy blue suit with white trim as she took the oath before Congress. New York State Representatives were called forward to stand by Hochul's side for the swearing-in.
Hochul won a special election to fill the Congressional seat in New York's 26th District that had been vacant since Chris Lee's resignation.
After Hochul was sworn-in and introduced, she gave a short speech. She said it was an honor and privilege to be on the House floor ready to serve the people.
"I promise to work for them tirelessly every single day and to continue to fight for them with every breathe I have and I look forward to working with each of in a spirit of bi part ship and cooperation," said Hochul.
"This is a proud day for my family and for me as we begin this new chapter in our lives," said Hochul.
Hochul thanked the voters of the 26th Congressional District for their supporter and her husband of 27 years, William Hochul, who serves at U.S. Attorney of the Western District in Buffalo, and two children.
"You're my rock and my inspiration honey," said Hochul
Hochul pledges to fight for citizens.
"Today I entered these chambers confident that we can tackle the challenges presented to us. We can and must find common sense solutions to the problem facing facing our districts and our country as we have learned our constituents expect and deserve no less," said Hochul.
Kathy Hochul is the first Democrat to occupy the seat in 40 years.
Hohcul has served in local politics. She leaves her post as Erie County Clerk.