WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on Montana Republican Greg Gianforte’s first day in Congress (all times local):
2 p.m.
Montana Republican Greg Gianforte has been sworn in as the newest member of Congress, a month after he body-slammed a reporter who had questioned him about the GOP health care bill.
The wealthy, former software executive was sworn in Wednesday by House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis.
The 56-year-old Gianforte won a May 25 special election to serve the remaining 18 months in the House term vacated by now-Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.
Gianforte said his main priority is to make sure Montanans’ voices are heard, and he pledged to “protect our Montana way of life from federal overreach.”
There are now 239 Republicans in the House and 193 Democrats. The winners of three other elections, two Republicans and one Democrat, will be sworn in later.
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3:55 a.m.
Montana Republican Greg Gianforte is set to be sworn in as the newest member of Congress, a month after he body slammed a reporter who asked him a question about the GOP health care bill.
Gianforte, a wealthy former software executive, has called for civility in politics following his conviction for assaulting a reporter the day before winning a special congressional election.
Gianforte won a May 25 special election to serve the remaining 18 months in the House term vacated by now-Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. Gianforte has already filed for re-election. He will be sworn in Wednesday by House Speaker Paul Ryan.
Once his oath is completed, Republicans will have 239 members in the House to 193 for Democrats. Three seats are vacant although elections have been held.
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