U.S. Representatives Ed Case, Jill Tokuda of Hawaiʻi begin new terms in 118th Congress

U.S. Rep. Ed Case (HI-01) began his fifth term and U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) began her rookie term in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday when the 118^th Congress convened.

Each Congress convenes for a two-year term, dating back to the 1^st Congress in 1789 at the outset of George Washington’s Presidency.  

Because the Speaker of the House was not elected today, after three votes, the formal oath  of office for Members of the 118^th Congress has not yet been administered.

Republicans took back the majority in the House in the last election, but they could not decide upon a leader, with 20 members choosing not to back Kevin McCarthy, the minority leader in the House last session. The House will vote again today.

“As I begin my fifth full term as Hawaii’s U.S. Representative, I continue to  focus on my oath to support and defend our Constitution and to work with  colleagues and others to achieve productive solutions to our most pressing  challenges,” Rep. Case said in a statement.

Rep. Case said his priorities entering the new two-year Congress remain contributing to national leadership for our country, ensuring that Hawaii’s specific needs are addressed by our federal government, and assisting constituents with their concerns.  

“Congress must remain focused on the issues that matter most to everyday Americans in Hawai‘i,” Rep. Case said. “From ensuring the prompt and safe closure of Red Hill, to providing relief to oppressive inflation and the cost of living, confronting China and working with partners throughout the Indo-Pacific, improving public safety, protecting our oceans, addressing the  very real threats of climate change and much more, I will continue to dedicate my experience, seniority, relationships and efforts to solving our real-world challenges.”  

Rep. Case also expressed his commitment to continue working in the 118^th Congress to overcome division and polarization and wherever possible forge non-partisan partnerships with colleagues and others toward  workable solutions.

“In a House that is so clearly divided along partisan lines, where I am again a member of the minority as I was from 2002 to 2007, I will work with my fellow Members of Congress,  including those across the aisle, to achieve solutions to our many challenges, Rep. Case said. “We must not allow each and every issue to descend into a  strictly partisan struggle, and must instead reject extremism and absolutism  to just get things done.” 

Rep. Tokuda begins her first term in Congress after serving in the Hawaiʻi State Senate for 12 years, from 2006-2018.

“In all this,” Rep. Case said, “I’m very pleased to work with Congresswoman Jill Tokuda, who joins our Hawai‘i Congressional delegation in serving the home we all love. Congresswoman Tokuda is well prepared to undertake these obligations and will be a great partner.”