We are set up in here. All right. How did the Conference Meeting go . Very good. Just one side without. We just had the rules of ordinary things to do. But it went as well as we could expect. Have you seen the post this morning . No. There was an inside story on the press conference with you and deb price with your hands in the air. It was great. I did not have time to look at the papers this morning. [laughter] i know. I have them all in my bag. Do you want to break and let the cspan camera leave . We will get the first question. Thank you. And, we are all set. Great. Mr. Speaker, you used to teach history. And today you are about to step into the history books. How has your teaching background prepared you for this . It gives you extreme exposure in trying to explain things to human beings. It is the personal touch you have day in and day out. And of course, teaching is communicating, making things relevant to young minds. And this job is not that much different. You have to talk to folks day in and day out. You have to make things relevant. You have to tell a story so people understand how things move in sequence, so it is very much like teaching. Day in and day out. Morning. How are you doing . You look very nice this morning. Thank you. Hey, ethan, how are you . Looking dapper. Good morning. How are you . Hello, thomas come on in. [laughter] smile for everybody my wife jean. A buddy that goes back to seventh grade. We are off to an exciting day. I woke up this morning, and my shower was cold. I woke up. There you go. You look nice. Wonderful. I guess i will have to pin this on. We will put that in the collection. Heidi, why dont you help put this on. Im not the best of putting this on. Thats nice. Pretty. Ill let you put mine on for me. Very nice. That looks beautiful. That is the spouse pin. You could move around congress, and people will know that you are with that guy. Everyone knows that i would be a spouse. Why dont you stick that on . Great. Thank you. Maybe we could just get couple of shots of you work at the desk . Stay right here. I think i have a chair. We could put a chair at the desk. You have to excuse this office. We are influx of moving, as you can see. Sam is going to call you. Be prepared. Its is scott here to . All right. Hello. We need to work on this House Administration committee. Can you call . Okay. I will call and try to get that scheduled. I think we just need to talk. Check with them. All right. I will do it. Thanks. Thats all that is left right . Okay. I think the headline is on message. It looks great. Gene is right there. Gene is in my place. All good news on the front page. All good news. Here is what relates to speech today. All right. We went over this with our other guys. Even added how you want to make sure that we get our work done, or else we will stay here until we do. I talked to both young and page about this. Everybody is a mind. We will have to set up the meetings early on. Good. Is that yesterday . Deb price wears pink. She stands out. All those other guys with black hhow was dinner last night . It was nice. Then we had some friends come up. We sat and talked. Up here . No, back up the street. You do not get the rest to you thought you would. Im running on adrenaline. What time are we supposed to leave . Ive a question i know it is your first day, what you do as speaker . If its like how it has been the last three days, you meet people day in and day out. As speaker, you are the person that everybody officially speaks to in the house. You are the person everybody comes to with complaints. As a speaker, you are a big listener. You try to find solutions. You have to rely on a lot of good people. One of my jobs is like being a coach putting the stars out front, and coach them along to make sure they are doing the right things. Since ive been reading about you, my question is how do you go from being a teacher to a member of congress . Yet, it seems like you bring so much of your teaching background into what you are doing. I was on my legislature for six years. George ryan was the speaker of house, now the governor elect of illinois. You learn a lot. I have the same reaction that Abraham Lincoln did i said, what am i doing here with all these guys. Two years later i was saying, what are some of these other guys doing here . You learn. The first thing i learned that you have to accept in this business is that there is a gap between theory and practice. What you teach, and what actually exists. If you learn to use philosophy, and the teachings of the founding fathers, let them lay against the reality of what you have to get done. I think it is the blueprint to be a legislature. Do you learn something new every day . This job is a College Education everyday. Last year, averaging healthcare issues. You have to know their Health Insurance industry, the doctors, the hospitals. All these things i have to come together. All the issues out there that are tied into the whole issue of what is healthcare. Then, the consumers, and what their consumers are. Every day you are learning something. You have to be able to file away, come back. Last year, i worked on a comprehensive anti drug bill. You had the issue of communities that new drug rehabilitation. Law enforcement. Border protection. Interdiction on the high seas. Working back in countries that grow drugs cocaine, marijuana, poppies. Then the whole Banking System because all the money that comes from drugs, if it does not get back into the hands of the druglords, they would not be able to do this the whole financial side of it. Theres so many aspects. Anything you do. It is really something that is a challenge, day in and day out. A College Education every day. Everyday. Have you heard from some of the former students they used to coach . We speak to some of those people everyday. Last night at the reception, at the Illinois Society reception, i looked around and saw a lot of kids that had just come out. It must be a very exciting time for you. It is. For my family as well. What you think do you think of all this . You are awfully quiet. She was not quiet before. Exciting times . Yeah, really is. Im just trying to get him through college. Where do you go to school . University of illinois. What are you studying . Marketing. I love it. Do you think youll end up in d. C. One day . I dont know. I think everybody is a little overwhelmed right now. Ethan what else to do . Aviation im picking up a minor in aviation. Looking ahead to going to law school. Thats what i would like to ultimately do. Okay. Morning, how are you doing . I hope so. Its a great day. Morning. Really appreciate the great work youve done. Morning, how are you doing . Thank you. Thank you, reverend ford. Let me begin by first thinking the member and the Family Committee for sponsoring this event. Let me also recognize our new speaker elect, Daniel Hester and his wife, jean. Danny, we are all starting a new congress. Some like yourself are starting this congress in a new role. Some of us are continuing in old rules. All of us are concerned. Can we do it right . Can we get the job right . Or, for some of us, can we do better . All right. One of the things we need to do is get to work. How do you do that with the impeachment hanging out there . [indiscernible] the sellers agree in their tallies that the total numbers for both task is 427. Of which, Daniel Hastert has received 220. Therefore, the honorable hastert is duly elected the speaker of the house of representatives for the 106th congress for receiving the majority of the vote passed. [applause] mr. Speaker, members of the house, before i hand the gavel over to our new speaker, let me say to him simply, lets bury the hatchet. [applause] first, i want to say to the new speaker that i would like to invite him and his wife to our Congressional District in missouri. I hope that in the days ahead, we can become your Congressional District in illinois. The only problem that i have with this new speaker is that as i understand it, he is a chicago cubs fan. All of you know that i am a st. Louis cardinals fan. He tells me that his wife is a st. Louis cardinals fan. That gives me real hope. If sammy sosa and mark mcgwire can figure it out, so can we. [applause] mr. Speaker, you know that over the next two years, i will work hard to win our majority back. I want to shift the focus today away from politics to other ideas. Two other efforts that we can make together to do us all proud. Lets put to rest finally the poisonous politics that has infected this place. [applause] llets join together not only in words but in deeds. Do right by the people. To live up to our oaths. And to move our nation forward in a new century of prosperity. This is hallowed ground. This is a precious place where we have nurtured and protected for generations our democracy. We have the burden all of us and responsibly to live up to those who have gone before us. And today, and in the future, to reach towards the sky. And to listen to our better angels. It is in the spirit that i am proud to hand the gavel to the new speaker of the house, to our new speaker of the house, the gentleman from illinois, dennis hastert. [applause] thank you, mr. Mr. Leader. For your kind and thoughtful remarks. I want to break tradition. At this point, i will ask you to hold the gavel so that i may go down to the floor. [applause] customarily, a new speaker gives his first remarks from the speakers chair. While i have Great Respect for the traditions of this house, and this institution, i am breaking tradition this wants because my legislature of home is here on this for with you, and so is my heart. [applause] to you, the members of the 106 congress, my family, my friends, my constituents, i say thank you. This is not a job that i thought, but one that i embrace with enthusiasm. In the next few minutes, i will share with you how i plan to carry out the job which was given to me. Lets first i think we need to take a moment to say goodbye to a member of this house who made history. Newt, this institution has been forever transformed by your presence. From years to come, americans will benefit from the changes that you championed a balanced budget, tax reform. Families across america this week are starting to calculate their taxes they will find a tax credit made possible by the congress that you led. Thank you, newt. Good luck, and god bless you in your new endeavors. Those of you here in this house know me. Hastert iis not necessarily a household name across america. Our fellow citizens deserve to know who i am, what i plan to do. What i am is a former high school teacher, a wrestling and football coach, a small businessman, and the state legislature. For the last 12 years, ive been a member of this house. Im indebted to the people in the 14th Congressional District of illinois to continue to send me here to represent them. I believe in limited government. When government does act, it must be for the good of the people. Serving in this body is a privilege. It is not a right. Each of us was sent here to conduct the peoples business. I intend to get down to business. That means voting on legislation that addresses the problems that the American People want solved. In the turbulent days behind us, debate often gave way to personal attacks. Some have felt insulted, or ignored. That is wrong. That will change. [applause] solutions to problems cannot be found in a pool of bitterness. They can be found in an environment in which we trust one anothers word. Where we recognize that each member is equally important to our Overall Mission of improving life for the American People. In short i believe all of us, regardless of party, can respect one another. Even as fiercely as we disagree on particular issues. Speaking of people who find ways to Work Together across the political fence let me bring in analogy to a personal level. Two good illinois friends of mine george ryan and Richard Daley are in the visitors gallery side by side. I will understand to be recognized. [applause] those who know me well will tell you that im true to my word. To me, a commitment is a commitment. What you see and hear todayis what you will see and hear tomorrow. No one knows me better than my family my wife, jean, and my sons, josh and ethan, are here today. Jean helps to keep my feet on the ground. She and the boys are my daily reminder [applause] two jean, josh, and ethan, thank you for everything. I love you. [applause] as a teacher, i explained the story of america year after year. I soon came to realize that it was a story but a story that keeps changing. We americans are restless people, we like to tackle and solve problems. We are constantly renewing our nation. I like to work against the backdrop of american basics freedom, liberty, responsibility, and opportunity. You can count on me to be a workhorse. [applause] my experience as a football and wrestling coach taught me some other lessons that apply here. A good coach knows when to step back, and let others shine in the spotlight. President reagan for years had a plaque in his office that said it all there is no limit to what can be accomplished if you do not mind who gets the credit. [applause] a good coach does not rely on a few star players. Everyone in the squad has something to offer. Above all, a coach will instill in his team a sense of fair play, camaraderie, respect for the game, and the opposition. Without those, victory is hollow, and defeat represents opportunities lost. I found that to be true around here also. So, where do we go from here . Some media pundits say that we will have two years of stalemate because the republican majority is too small. Some say, the white house bent on revenge, will not give us a moments peace. Some say the minority in this house will prevent passage of serious legislation. Washington is a town of rumors, and gases, and speculation. None of this comes as a surprise. But, none of it needs to come true that is if we really respect the voters who sent us here. [applause] to my republican colleagues, i say, it is time to put forward the major elements of our legislature program. We will succeed or fail, depending on how sensible of program we offer. To maybe more so on occasion. But cooperation is a twoway street and i expect you to meet me halfway, two. The president and the democrats in the house have been saying it is time to address several issues headon. I will buy that. But i think that we should agree that stalemate is not an option. Solutions are. [applause] to all of my colleagues, i say we must get the job done and get it done now. We have the opportunity to pass all the bills by the summer and we will not leave this chamber until we do. [applause] i intend to be a good listener. I want to your ideas and the debate that flows from them. I will have a low tolerance for Campaign Speeches masquerading as debate, whatever the source. Our country faces for big challenges that we must address. Not next month, next year, or the year after that, but now. Each challenge involves an element of our security. The first is retirement and health security. Both the Social Security and medicare programs will run into him brick walls if we dont do something about them now. They must make sure that Social Security is there for those who depend on it and those who expect to. We must also consider options for younger workers, so that they can look forward to an even brighter retirement. Nearly one year ago, president clinton came near to give his state of the union address. He called for reform of Social Security. This year i invite him to return and give us his rich reform plan. He has my assurance that it will be taken seriously. Second, we must ensure a secure future for americas children. By insisting that every child has a good school and a safe, drugfree environment. [applause] in my 16 years as a teacher i learned that most decisions having to do with education are best left to the people mosys to the situation. Parents, teachers, school board members. What should the federal governments role be . It should be to see that as many education dollars go directly to the classroom, where they will do the most good. [applause] the next is economic security. In the early 80s we adopted policies that laid the foundation for longterm growth. Except for one brief time, that growth has continued ever since. We want the economy to keep on growing. Well, toward that end it is time for us for congress to put a microscope to the ways the government takes money from our fellow citizens and how it spends it. There is a culture here in washington that has gone unchallenged for too long. One is that government has prior claim to the earnings of all americans, as if they were for the government and not the other way around. Another notion is that a government program, once begun will never end. The third notion is that every program must grow each passing year. Borrow a musical line, it just aint necessarily so. At least it wont he as long as im around here and have something to say about it erie it say about it. [applause] we must measure every dollar that we spend by this criteria. Is it really necessary . This is important. For most americans, money does not come easy. To make ends meet when i was a kid my dad had a feed business. My mother had chickens and she sold the eggs. Our family really felt it when tax time came around. We need a leaner, more Efficient Government along with tax policies that spur and sustained growth by giving tax relief to all working americans. [applause] finally, there is the challenge of American Security in the world of danger and uncertainty. Without it other elements of ours security will not be possible. We no longer worry about soviet Nuclear Bombs raining down on us. Today there are different worries. The violence of a terrorist mom. The silent threat of terror of weapons from a rogue state that aims a missile at one of our cities. We needed defense capability that matches these turnofthecentury threats. We have asked the men and women of our armed forces to take on assignments in many courses many places in the earth. Yet we have not given them the best equipment or preparation that they need to match those assignments. That must be corrected. [applause] these are not democratic or republican issues. They are american issues. We should be able to Reach Agreement quickly on the goals. Yes, we will argue about the means, but if we are not earnest about our responsibilities, we will find Common Ground to get the job done and in the process we will build the peoples space in this great United States congress. [applause] as a classroom teacher and coach ive learned of the value of brevity. I have learned that it is work, not talk, that wins championships. In closing, i want you to know just how proud i am to have been chosen to be your speaker. There is a big job ahead for all of us. I ask that god bless this house as we move forward together. Thank you very much. [applause] and now, lets bring an end to the talk and get to work. I recognize the dean of the house. The distinguished gentleman, mr. Dingell. [applause] my friend and my colleague in the conference committee, whose common sense and fairness i admire. He will administer the oath of office. Thank you mr. Speaker. Could the gentleman please raise his right hand . Do you solemnly swear to support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic . I do. That you take this obligation freely without any reservation or purpose of evasion . That you will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which you are about to enter, so help you, god . I do. Congratulations. [applause] according to the president , the chair will swear in all members of the house at this time. If the members will rise, the chair will administer the oath of office. All members please raise their right hands. Do you solemnly swear that you will support to defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic, bearing the true faith and allegiance to the same . Did you take this obligation freely, without any purpose of evasion, and that you will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office of which you are about to enter, so help you god . We do. Congratulations, you are the new members of the 106th congress. [applause] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap. Org] [captions Copyright National cable satellite corp. 2015] excellent. Excellent, thank you. [indiscernible] thank you. Thank you. [indiscernible] mr. Wilson . Congratulations. Lets everybody ready . There you go. [indiscernible] i you have come a long way, baby. Congratulations. Its official, right there. And over here . Absolutely. Thanks, again. Good luck. Thank you. The country is in good hands. [applause] [indiscernible] lets are you doing . Congratulations. Good. Nice to see you. Good luck. Congratulations. There it is. Hey, mr. A lot of people here. Mr. Speaker . And regulations. Regulations, a great day. This has been fun. It is exciting. Who would have thought . I just wish you could. [indiscernible] what a speech. Thank you. Kind of a one step at a time type of thing. We have all that support. Thanks, a lot. [indiscernible] how are you doing . Thank you so much. How are you doing . Nice to see you. Clad to have you. Weve got the gang here. A fire truck . Anytime. Congratulations. You just push the server on the nap. Thats what i understand. Right. Is uncanny. We are wearing the same type. All right. I am so proud of you. Love you. [indiscernible] one day at a time. Thats all you can do. I dont know, i will try to get there. Asked those two bodyguards. Right . Thanks for coming out. [indiscernible] congratulations. Good day for all of us. Thank you. Congratulations. Is your dad here . Rideshare. Looking in. Congratulations . How do i get a hold of them . [indiscernible] great, great. Absolutely. Congratulations, its wonderful. I loved every minute. No problem. Congratulations. I was telling someone the other day about how you