Rothfus Sworn in As 12th District Congressman

Congressman Keith Rothfus was officially sworn in Thursday, Jan. 3 as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing the new 12th congressional district.

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio presided over the ceremony, which included Rothfus of Sewickley, his wife Elsie and their six children.

The 113th U.S. Congress convened at noon Thursday, ushering in 82 freshman House members and 12 new senators. Boehner welcomed the freshmen lawmakers after being re-elected to a second term as speaker.

 of Johnstown. Critz defeated former U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire in the Democratic primary after redistricting combined much of Altmire's former 4th District with portions of Critz's area.

According to reports, Rothfus will have three district offices -- in the North Hills, Beaver County and Johnstown, and he plans to find a location in Somerset to hold office hours.

Rothfus has been eager to get started. He told the Pittsburgh Post Gazette it was frustrating to watch this week's contentious vote on the American Taxpayer Relief Act, which, he said, did nothing to curb spending.

Congress members are expected to take up a vote Friday on a Superstorm Sandy aid package after the House's failure to approve aid before adjournment.

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