House lawmakers were sworn in early Saturday morning, shortly after the multi-day standoff ended with Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) securing the gavel.
The swearing in was delayed from Tuesday because House Republicans were unable to choose a president. The lead legislator must be determined before legislators, both newly elected and incumbents, can take the oath of office.
McCarthy secured the deck around 12:30 a.m. Saturday, on ballot number 15.
“Congratulations, you are now a member of the 118th Congress,” McCarthy said at 1:40 am to cheers.
One of the members sworn in on Saturday was Rep. George Santos (RN.Y.), who has been the subject of intense controversy after reports revealed he misrepresented parts of his resume.
The congressman admitted that to embellish parts of his resume. Despite the criticism, he has said that he has no plans to leave Congress.
Santos was on Capitol Hill all week but declined to answer questions from reporters about the ongoing controversy. He endorsed McCarthy for Speaker on all 15 ballots.
