Congresswoman Edwards Sworn In

This afternoon Donna Edwards took the oath of office as Congresswoman of Maryland’s 4th Congressional District at the Capitol. She takes her position as the first African-American woman elected to Congress from the state of Maryland, and the first LCV Board member to be elected to Congress, serving on the boards of both LCV and the Maryland LCV.

At the swearing in of Donna Edwards, the House floor was filled with her colleagues, who stayed after an amendment vote to show their support for their newest member. She was hugged and greeted by members on both sides of the aisle, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and outgoing Rep. Al Wynn, who introduced her to the House and welcomed her into the Maryland delegation of representatives.

Above the floor, the public seating was packed with supporters of Donna Edwards who welcomed her into the room with waves and a standing ovation. She brought a message of change in her first words as Congresswoman. She vowed to be a representative to all walks of life and to start the job “with her sleeves rolled up and ready to work.”

Following her swearing in, she was greeted by the very supporters who stood by her throughout her campaign. The reception that she held in the Capitol was filled with the warmness of a jazz band, good food, and old friends.

As Donna Edwards begins her service to Maryland’s 4th district and the nation as a whole, she brings her leadership in energy and environmental issues to Congress and starts off the expansion to a pro-environment majority.