Daily Freeman: Pat Ryan, Marc Molinaro vow to work across party lines in Washington despite House turmoil

The two newly elected congress members who share representation of Ulster County vowed to work across party lines to deliver needed relief to their respective constituents.

But before they can get down to the business of governing, Democrat Pat Ryan and Republican Marc Molinaro have to be sworn into office.

The two men were elected to Congress in the Nov. 8 election; Ryan, to District 18 which comprises the southern portion of Ulster County and nearly all of Dutchess County, and Molinaro, to District 19, which comprises all or portions of 11 counties, including the northern portion of Ulster County.

The two have been in Washington, D.C. since the start of the new year and had expected to be sworn in on Jan. 3 after the GOP elected the new speaker of the house.

However, as of Wednesday afternoon, no members of the 117th Congress were sworn in because Republicans have been unable to elect a speaker.

“It’s definitely disappointing Republicans can’t seem to come together at a time when clearly we’ve got to come together and work to restore trust in our democracy,” Ryan said during a break in voting. “I’m just trying to get sworn in and do my job.”

A former Ulster County executive who was first elected to Congress in a special election in August, Ryan said his priorities in the upcoming term remain the same as when he first entered Congress in September.

“I’m here to defend fundamental rights, and deliver much-needed relief,” Ryan said in a statement.

“We may appear more divided than ever, but it is my job first and foremost to serve the Hudson Valley.

“I’ll work with anyone, regardless of party, who wants to serve their constituents and get things done. And I’ll never hesitate to call out those who dishonor this institution and this country. The stakes are too high right now for anything else,” he said.

As the first West Point graduate to serve in Congress, Ryan said supporting that institution and all those who serve or served in the military will be a top priority. Additionally, he said, he will support legislation that grows the manufacturing base in New York, builds an economy that works for everyone and protects the environment.

Molinaro, a former Dutchess County executive elected in November said he will draw on the unique experience he gained serving at all levels of local government to address the issues that local communities face.

“I have served at all levels of local government and have seen firsthand how Washington ignores the issues that matter most to our community,” Molinaro said in a statement Wednesday.

“This needs to change,” he added. “Upstate New York deserves a representative who will raise its voice in Congress and deliver results.”

Prior to being elected to Congress, Molinaro served for 11 years as Dutchess County executive. He also served in the state Assembly, on the Dutchess County Legislature and, at the age of 19, was elected as the mayor of the village of Tivoli.

Like Ryan, Molinaro said he will work with both Republicans and Democrats to deliver “commonsense results that create economic opportunity, address our crumbling infrastructure, and improve public safety.”