Gerlach Sworn In for Sixth Term

Editor's note: The following release comes from Rep. Jim Gerlach's office.

Washington -- Congressman Jim Gerlach took the oath of office on Thursday marking the start of his sixth, two-year term serving the residents and communities in Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District. He issued the following statement after a swearing-in ceremony on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives:

"I am extremely honored by the trust that the residents of the 6th District have placed in me and look forward to continue working tirelessly on their behalf while voting on legislation in Washington and providing constituent service throughout every community I represent.

Putting Americans back to work remains among the most urgent challenges. As a member of the House Ways & Means Committee, I will be working with my colleagues to modernize and simplify our tax system for families and businesses of all sizes. The tax code has grown too large and too complex and is truly hampering the ability of businesses to grow and hire.

In addition, a new session should bring renewed focus on the need to better protect taxpayers against wasteful Washington spending and skyrocketing debt. Part of that strategy should include eliminating an estimated $50 billion per year in improper Medicare payments. That’s why I will continue working on a common sense, bipartisan plan to use the latest technology to develop a modern Medicare smart card. Besides cutting waste, implementing a Medicare smart card would ensure resources are spent providing treatment and care seniors have earned.

It is a tremendous privilege to serve this District. And my pledge to the 700,000 residents is to continue to be accessible and accountable and work hard every day to make sure your voices are heard in Washington."

Congressman Gerlach resides in West Pikeland Township, Chester County. The District includes parts of Berks, Chester, Lebanon and Montgomery counties.