Rep. Guinta joins in historic reading of the Constitution on House floor

(Washington – January 6, 2011)   For the first time in American history, the Representatives who make our nation’s laws heard the document that gives them their authority read on the House Floor.  New Hampshire Representative Frank Guinta was one of the readers.

The entire United States Constitution was read, line by line, by various House Members at midday Thursday.  The order of reading was assigned on a first come basis.  Coincidentally, Guinta, a staunch supporter of the rights of gun owners, got to read: “Second Amendment.  A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

“It was a true honor to participate in this historic reading,” Guinta said afterward. “Our Constitution is not some musty historic document.  It is a living framework that guarantees our individual rights, and spells out the authority that we, the people, give to our government.  Washington gets in trouble whenever it strays beyond the powers expressed in the Constitution, leaving the people with the burden of undoing the damage. 

“As this 112^th Congress gets underway, it is appropriate that we Representatives hear the actual words that give us our authority to act, and which also limit our ability to act.  One thing that is different about this Congress from previous ones is the new House rule adopted yesterday, requiring every bill and joint resolution be accompanied by a statement explaining its constitutionality.  As long as we stay within the limits allowed by the Constitution, we can act with the confidence as we do the people’s business.”

Frank Guinta Sworn-In as NH 1st District Congressman

(Washington – January 5, 2011)   With his two young children at his side and dozens of newly-elected colleagues all around him, Frank Guinta stood on the House floor Wednesday afternoon, raised his right hand and took the oath to represent New Hampshire’s First Congressional District.  The en masse swearing-in highlighted the start of the 112^th Congress.

The former Manchester mayor and state representative was joined by his seven-year-old daughter, Colby, and his six-year-old son, Jack.  The swearing-in ceremony was a rare opportunity for relatives to join Members on the House floor.

“This new Congress has the potential to produce deeply significant change,” Guinta explained.  “Because so much of what we do will impact our future, I wanted Colby and Jack to be here for the start of this session.  It’s a reminder that the actions of this House over the next two years will impact the lives of our children for many years to come.”

Guinta’s first vote as a Congressman was to select a Speaker of the House.  He joined his fellow Republicans in electing John Boehner of Ohio as Speaker.  Later, Guinta voted for a sweeping new House Rules package.  Its key provisions include: requiring every bill or joint resolution to be accompanied by a statement citing its constitutionality; requiring a bill to be available for Members to review for three calendar days before it can be voted on; and requiring markups of bills to be made public 24 hours before a vote.

“These new rules are an important first step in making sure citizens can easily follow how the people’s business is being conducted,” Guinta said.  “The people of New Hampshire sent me here with a clear message.  They want this Congress to aggressively work to help small businesses grow and create more jobs, they want us to significantly reduce government spending and bring it under control once again, and they want us to stop the federal power grab that led to last year’s takeover of our nation’s healthcare industry.  In the coming weeks and months, I will be actively working with my colleagues to translate these desires into reality.”   

Rep. Frank Guinta to be sworn into 112th Congress on Wednesday

Representative Frank Guinta (NH-01) will be sworn into the 112th Congress on Wednesday, January 5^th.  All members of the House of Representatives will be sworn-in en masse at noon. (Guinta will be joined on the House floor by his two young children.)   An individual ceremonial swearing-in by House Speaker John Boehner for Rep. Guinta will follow at approximately 5:00 p.m.

A photo opportunity will be available with Speaker Boehner, Rep. Guinta and his family members to mark this historic occasion.  Information is as follows:

WHO:     Representative Frank Guinta (R-NH)      

WHAT:   Ceremonial Swearing-in of the 112th Congress      

WHEN:   Wednesday, January 5^th, app. 5:00 p.m.       

WHERE: H-207, The Rayburn Room,  U.S. Capitol  

NOTE:   Interested media must obtain press credentials through the appropriate Capitol Hill media gallery:

House Radio-TV Gallery                             (202) 225-5214

House Press Gallery                                    (202) 225-3945

House Periodical Press Gallery                   (202) 225-2941

Press Photographers’ Gallery                     (202) 224-6548  



Rep. Frank Guinta names Communications Director

Representative-elect Frank Guinta has named veteran journalist J. Mark Powell as his new communications director.  Powell is tasked with handling inquiries from the news media, providing timely updates on legislative activities in Washington, fielding interview requests, and assisting Congressman Guinta in maintaining close contact with reporters, editors and other interested parties in New Hampshire’s First Congressional District.

Powell has 30 years experience in local and national news, including 14 years working for CNN in Atlanta.  He has reported everywhere from the country courthouse to the White House, has won several journalistic awards, and is a published novelist. 

Congressman-Elect Frank Guinta's Satement on Virginia Court Ruling on Obamacare

Calls the striking down of the individual mandate as an “important first step.”

Manchester ­ Congressman-Elect Frank Guinta (NH-01) issued the following statement today on the Virginia U.S. District Judge’s ruling on the unconstitutional nature of ObamaCare’s individual mandate.

During the campaign Congressman-Elect Guinta was firm on his position that Obamacare was unconstitutional and that it needed to be repealed. This court ruling only strengthens his resolve to push for a full repeal during the 112th Congress:

“Today’s ruling sent a clear message that President Obama’s health care law is indeed unconstitutional. I applaud the decision by U.S. District Court Judge Henry Hudson and the efforts of Governor McDonnell and Attorney General Cuccinelli. Their victory was not only for the people of Virginia but for freedom loving Americans everywhere. This decision strengthens my belief that the U.S. Constitution does not give power to the federal government to force individuals to purchase goods or services, this includes health insurance.

 While today’s ruling was indeed a victory, it is now even more imperative that the next Congress work together to repeal this unconstitutional piece of legislation and fight for real reforms.”