Rep. Jay Inslee took the oath of office and was sworn in as a member of the 112th Congress this afternoon in Washington, D.C. Rep. Inslee was first elected to serve Washington state’s First Congressional District — which includes Bothell and Kenmore — in 1999.

“It was a great honor to have once again been asked to serve the people of Washington’s First Congressional District. I accept this responsibility with the utmost humility and intent to carry out my duties to the best of my abilities,” he said.

Inslee added that serving on the 112th Congress means building a new economic future that takes advantage of innovation, clean energy and new technology; a commitment to education so that the nation’s children and grandchildren are empowered with the skills to compete and thrive; and protecting citizens’ health and environment because they are important resources.

“I’m committed to working with my colleagues in Congress, while standing firm for what is right. That is what Washingtonians expect and deserve,” he said.