Labrador to lawmakers: ‘You’re in the front lines’

New Idaho Congressman Raul Labrador returned today to the Statehouse where he used to serve, addressing both the state Senate and House for the first time as a congressman. “My four years serving with you were some of the best years of my life,” Labrador told state lawmakers. “This is where I cut my teeth and learned how to be a legislator and how to serve those I represent. … For this I will always be grateful.”

He said, “Many of the issues facing America as a country are the same issues that we have faced here in the state. You’re in the front lines of these battles. … I hope that you have seen that I have applied the lessons learned from you in my new job.”

Labrador said he’s part of a large freshman class in the U.S. House that comes from all walks of life and is dedicated to ending runaway federal spending. “Congress as a whole is now acting on what we here in Idaho have known for a long time,” he said. “We are broke, and if we don’t radically decrease our borrowing and spending we will go bankrupt. … Congress must become responsible again.”