A freshman’s excitement, humility as enormous responsibility awaits

Since being elected to serve in Congress in November things have moved at a very swift pace.

Very shortly after my election, I was in Washington for the new-member orientation sponsored by the House Administration Committee. That was a whirlwind of well-presented sessions by the various member support operations. I was impressed at how well the House is organized and the depth of the commitment of the people who work here — and that commitment was palpable.

Obviously setting up a congressional office to properly represent 600,000-plus people is a tall order but very talented House personnel each covered their areas of responsibility in the easiest-to-absorb manner one can conceive of.

Following that there were two other new-member orientations — one at Harvard University and another at the Heritage Foundation here in Washington — that focused on in-depth issue briefings with renowned people in their fields. The size of the federal debt, the state of our economy, and national security concerns were drilled home in ways that are impossible to forget. The challenges our country faces — in a wide array of areas — truly are daunting. And it is incredible that the economic and national security crises have come simultaneously with equal urgency.

Another large amount of time was spent interviewing staff applicants, making decisions on the physical office and finding a place to live.

A fair number of various appointments I had made had to be canceled to accommodate media requests for interviews regarding the unexpected turns of events relating to Illinois — namely the arrest of our governor and the appointment of my predecessor, Ray LaHood, by the president-elect to serve as secretary of transportation.

Until this past Monday, I was still serving as an Illinois state representative with a say in possible impeachment charges against the governor that Illinois House leadership considered moving in December. So a good deal of my planned activities to get set up had to be rearranged.

Though I had just been briefed on grave federal matters, the burden the Illinois governor has become is also an additional concern for the people of Illinois. It was serendipity that the governor’s arrest and pending impeachment would come during my transition from the state to federal government.

So with all that said, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009 —swearing-in day — wasn’t my first time on the House floor or in the corridors of the Capitol complex. Nevertheless, what was happening did sink in, as did the enormous responsibility that goes with it.

I had my entire family either in the gallery or on the House floor with me during the swearing-in. I also knew that 100 supporters from my district were here watching, in addition to countless folks back in Illinois watching on television. This is serious business that they felt merited their time and travel to Washington.

While I was on the floor preparing to take my oath of office and listening to Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) and Majority Leader John Boehner’s (R-Ohio) remarks, I reflected on the enormity of responsibility that has been bestowed on them and on me and my colleagues. I had additional time to reflect during the voice roll call vote.

A wide array of thoughts crossed my mind, some seemingly contradictory. On one hand I feel tremendous respect for those who have gone before me — how well they have developed this institution and the legacy they have left. At the same time I am acutely aware of the shortcomings of recent Congresses that have contributed to our economic crisis.

Much is riding on my colleagues and me during our time here to get things right. It will mean economic opportunity or hardship. Safety or disaster.

Coming back to my office after the day, it is dark already and from the fifth floor of the Cannon Building — alternately referred to as the “penthouse” or the “attic” — I have an awe-inspiring view of the Capitol dome in all its glory. As a freshman, I never expected to have such an awesome view. Inside my office, the walls are bare, the desks and bookcases empty. But it is so positively exciting and humbling to be here.

The task at hand is great, and time is short, but I am ready to do my part.

Schock, 27, is the youngest member of the 111th Congress.