LaLota Sworn-In to US Congress

By Chris O'Neill

Nick LaLota - US Navy officer; Annapolis Graduate; Suffolk Elections Commissioner; and most recently Chief of Staff to the Suffolk Legislature - was finally sworn into office as US Congressman - at 2AM on Saturday morning - after a week-long marathon of votes to elect a House Speaker.

“It took longer than expected, but it is an incredible honor to continue my service to our great country, our community, and the people of New York’s First District as their Congressman," stated LaLota. "Long Islanders elected me to lower prices, secure our border, make our communities safer, help restore integrity and accountability in government, and fight for them in Washington." Members-elect of the US House of Representatives cannot be sworn in until the election of a House Speaker, and this year's Speaker election made history, after going though 15 rounds of balloting, over five days. Congressman Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California was finally elected on the 15th ballot at 1:00 AM on Saturday morning - after a full day session with repeated, close ballots. "I voted for Kevin McCarthy for Speaker," noted LaLota. "And I will vote for the recently proposed rule changes which include conservative wins such as term limits, balancing the budget, reigning in spending, and cutting the deficit," "I firmly believe that Speaker McCarthy, our new rules, and the Commitment to America agenda provide the best plan to help move our country and Long Island forward," added LaLota. "It is time to get to work !" LaLota was sworn-in at a 2AM ceremony in his office. He represents NY-1, a district that includes Huntington, Smithtown, Port Jefferson and the Hamptons.