McAllister sworn in as newest House member

Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) on Thursday officiated over the swearing-in of Rep. Vance McAllister (R-La.), the House’s newest member. [WATCH VIDEO]

McAllister won a special election last week to fill the seat of Rep. Rodney Alexander (R-La.), who took a position in the administration of Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-La.).

{mosads}After the brief ceremony, members of the Louisiana delegation welcomed McAllister, who was joined on the House floor by his family.

“I just want to say thank you to everybody who got me here, up there in the gallery,” the new member said. “I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for them, and I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for these kids.”

“Let’s make sure we keep … everybody in our prayers, and let’s do the right thing by this country and take care of business like we should. Let’s all work together.”

McAllister was sworn in just in time to take one vote, on a GOP energy bill, just before the House was scheduled to leave for the week and for Thanksgiving break. He indicated today’s timing is why he kept his introductory remarks brief.

“I know we’re ready to get on out of here,” he said to laughter. “They didn’t raise no dummy, I can tell you that. I didn’t get here by accident.”

The addition of McAllister puts the House at 432 members, with three vacancies.