A Busy First Week Serving You

Statement

A BUSY FIRST WEEK SERVING YOU

I will be officially sworn into office when Congress resumes in the first week of September. I am looking forward to this tremendous opportunity to serve, and I will rely on the input and feedback of my constituents - you - to ensure I am representing you well.

Many people have asked me if I will keep the same staff and office locations as former Congressman Rob Portman. I plan to maintain the same office locations in Kenwood and Portsmouth here at home, and in Washington, I will occupy the same office in the Cannon House Office Building. To further ensure a smooth transition for my constituents, I have rehired many staff members from the Portman team.

Some of you have also asked if I will move to Washington. And the answer to that question is a resounding no! I will maintain my residence in Miami Township where I have been a lifelong resident and live with my husband and daughter. I will commute to Washington each week as Congress is in session.

It has been a busy couple of first weeks on the job. Last week I traveled to Washington to get the keys to my office, meet with staff and participate in a brief orientation where I reviewed Congressional policies and procedures with House administrators. I also received my Congressional "pin" which identifies me as a Member of Congress and enables me access to the Capitol and the White House. I even managed to pick up a few tips about how to navigate the Capitol Complex by using the maze of underground tunnels. I definitely have my work cut out for me, but I am ready for the challenge.

Before Congress resumes session in a couple of weeks, I am taking advantage of this time to travel the district to meet with as many people as possible to learn more about the different needs of communities across Southwestern Ohio. I believe the more I learn about the projects, priorities and issues facing the communities I represent, the better I can represent our area in Washington.

Some highlights of my first week included an informative tour of the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) in Pike County, which operates the only uranium enrichment facility in the United States, and is important to our nation's energy security. I also met with community leaders in Scioto County and received a tour of Portsmouth's Welcome Center. I was honored to stop by Clermont County's Yellow Ribbon Support Center as Keith and Carolyn Maupin and other volunteers packed up large containers of computer equipment to ship to our soldiers stationed in Iraq. The equipment, which includes computers, web cams and memory cards, will allow our troops to keep in touch with their family and friends while they are deployed thousands of miles from home.

I also joined leaders in Adams County as they opened a new waste recycling facility to ensure cleaner neighborhoods and a safer environment. A stop in Brown County took me to the Antique Machinery Show, which is a proud tradition in the community of Georgetown.

I am looking forward to meeting many more of you in the weeks and months to come. I hope you won't hesitate to contact the office to share your ideas and suggestions. Your input is valuable to us!

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