DNC CONVENTION | US Rep. Tim Ryan speaks tonight at DNC

PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland said he's "excited and honored" to deliver remarks tonight, around 8 p.m., at the Democratic National Convention.

"This is the biggest speech of my life,” he told The Vindicator today.

“I'm a kid from Niles, Ohio. To be there on any night would be a huge honor, but I'll be there on the last day.”

Ryan said he was initially told about two weeks ago that the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign was interested in having him speak at the convention, but he wasn't given any specific time or day.

When the speakers' list came out last week, Ryan wasn't on it. But he said he was told to prepare a speech regardless.

He was contacted Wednesday and rehearsed the speech.

Ryan said he will talk about the changes to the Mahoning Valley over the past 30 to 40 years, and how Clinton is in a much better position to help the area and the country than Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee.

The list of scheduled speakers is fluid so Ryan could go on between 7:30 and 9 p.m., according to the campaign. But Ryan expects to be on stage about 8 p.m.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Cleveland, knows about a fluid schedule.

He got bumped Wednesday because of timing and plans to have Vice President Joe Biden speak at 9 p.m.

Brown is scheduled to be the last speaker tonight – and be on stage around 9:30 to 10 p.m. – before Chelsea Clinton introduces her mother, Hillary, who will give her presidential acceptance speech. In between Brown and the Clintons, singer Katy Perry will perform.