Crapo To Be Sworn In For 109th Congress

Washington, DC â?? Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will be sworn in today for his second term in the United States Senate. Crapo will be administered the Oath of Office twiceâ??first, at approximately 9:30 a.m. Mountain/8:30 a.m. Pacific in the U.S. Senate Chamber (carried on C-Span 2), and second, in the historic Old Senate Chamber in the U.S. Capitol. He will be escorted during the first ceremony by Idaho senior Senator Larry Craig. Vice President Dick Cheney will administer the oath both times. Crapo was re-elected to a second term as a U.S. Senator in November 2004 with a 99.2% voter approval, the highest in Idaho history. He previously served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives as the Idaho 2nd District Representative.Among Crapoâ??s priorities for this term are reviving the economy through responsible tax and budget policies; updating and strengthening the Endangered Species Act; Social Security reform; Idaho export/trade advocacy; and strengthening agriculture and wildlife preservation programs. â??I look forward to tackling these important issues that affect not just Idahoans, but all U.S. citizens,â?? Crapo said. â??Our country is facing enormous challenges in the coming years and it is imperative that we find ways to stimulate our economy and reduce our federal deficit, improve our education and health care systems, and preserve our quality of life. President Bush have put forward some thoughtful and innovative proposals for the 109th Congress to consider, including Social Security reform, tax reform, and improved educational access. I am also looking forward to updating and strengthening the ESA. Iâ??m anticipating the challenges of this session and am optimistic for its success.â??Crapo was recently appointed to the Senate Finance Committee as well as the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and will retain membership on the Senate Budget; Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; and Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry committees. He will also serve as the Deputy Whip for the Senate Majority. A satellite video feed of the swearing-in ceremony is available at the following time and coordinates: 1:45 p.m. Mountain/12:45 p.m. PacificGalaxy 3Transponder 7HDownlink 3840Standard audio# # #