Jodey Arrington can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Then, he’s back to work.
The freshman congressman completed his first day in office on Tuesday, at the start of the 115th Congress.
“Couldn’t be more proud to represent West Texas,” Arrington said. “I’m humbled by that responsibility, elated to know that I get to be the voice for the district.”
A day packed from morning until night with events, ceremonies, receptions, and the first votes in the House of Representatives, left Arrington exhausted, and emotional.
“It’s a whirlwind of emotions. One minute I’m talking to my Aunt… from Houston and the next minute I had Mac Thornberry, Chairman of the Armed Services (Committee) and his wife coming to welcome us and congratulate us on being official. One moment I’m talking to my team and the next moment we’re whisked away to the house floor for a vote,” he told EverythingLubbock.com.
Arrington said sharing these historic moments with his family made the experience extra special, explaining that his oldest son joined him on the House floor as he was sworn in.
“I put his hand on the bible, my hand over it, and raised it and swore my oath to uphold the constitution. Doesn’t get any better than that,” Arrington said.
He said once the fanfare wears out, he knows it is time to execute the plans he has worked on for months.
“Talk is cheap and talk gets you only so far. Maybe you can win a campaign, but you can’t be effective here until you actually take action,” he explained.
“My message to the folks back home is ‘thank you,’” Arrington added. “I’m unbelievably grateful, I’m unbelievably honored, and chomping at the bits to get started, rolling up my sleeves and working alongside my fellow Texans here and fellow conservatives and everybody in Congress to advance the cause of West Texas.”
His office still in the early stages of planning and organization, one thing that already graces his desk is a letter, written by President George W. Bush, wishing him well on his new journey. Arrington called it an “awesome” token from his former boss.
Arrington is the fifth person to represent Texas’ District 19.
