Congresswoman Janelle Bynum Sworn Into 119th Congress
Rep. Bynum: “The American people need our help, so let’s get to work.”
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) was sworn into the 119th Congress, marking the start of her first term serving the people of Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District. With her historic swearing in, Rep. Bynum became the first Black Member of Congress in Oregon’s history. She was joined by her husband, children, and a host of extended family and friends for the ceremony.
Rep. Bynum issued the following statement after being sworn in:
“I am honored and humbled that the people of Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District have entrusted me to be their voice in Congress. I will fight each and every day to elevate their voices and meet their needs – and I’m willing to work with anyone to do it.
“As a mom in this community, I know that our families and businesses are ready for a leader who puts their needs first. Housing is unaffordable, health care is too hard to access, and our schools need support in producing the next generation of technical and intellectual leaders. These issues aren’t exclusive to one party or the other – they affect all of us. That’s why I will work with anyone to deliver for this district. The American people need our help, so let’s get to work."
Rep. Bynum knows that our voices aren’t being heard in Washington and she sees Congress playing political games with our livelihoods – that’s why she’s working to fix what’s broken and deliver practical solutions to the issues impacting our communities. As she did in the Oregon State House, in Congress she is fighting to create good paying jobs, strengthen public education, and lower the cost of healthcare, prescription drugs, and housing for working families like hers.
Janelle earned her undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from Florida A&M University, and her MBA from the Ross Business School at the University of Michigan. She and her husband Mark are parents to four children and reside in Happy Valley. Janelle is a devoted sports fan/mom and lifelong lover of the arts and good barbecue.
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