Area representatives want cooperation in the new Congress

Area members of the U.S. House said they begin the new congressional session today with an open mind and a spirit of cooperation.

“Democrats will be surprised by the openness” given to them by the new Republican majority in the House, said U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson of Poland, R-6th, who was sworn in today for his first term in Congress. “The Democrats will have a chance to be heard.”

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, who is starting his fifth term in the House, said, “There is room for compromise. We’ve got to do the best we can.”

While hopeful Republicans will include Democrats in decision-making, Ryan said a lot of GOP members supported by the Tea Party movement may not be flexible.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com