Benton hosts Congressional swearing-in ceremony

More than three weeks after the swearing-in ceremony in Washington for the 114th Congress, three U.S. Representatives had the chance to take the oath for a second time.

For John Shimkus and Mike Bost, it proved to be an emotional moment.

The pair was joined by another Republican Congressman Rodney Davis for a ceremony and reception Friday morning at the Benton Civic Center. Each representative was sworn-in by a federal judge in front of family, friends and constituents.

Shimkus said taking the oath is something that never gets old. The Collinsville native, the representative for Illinois' 15th district, was first elected to Congress in 1996.

"I've been a member of Congress for a long time," he said. "As I stood up there, I started getting goose bumps. It was a very good event. Here, we get a chance to visit with our constituents. It's respectful. It's honorable. It was well done today."

Bost, the 12th district representative out of Murphysboro, called the moment "humbling and unbelievable."

"Every time you hear that oath, you understand the history that goes with it," he said. "I don't think it's a privilege you can ever forget or take lightly. Any time you're hearing those words, it's emotional."

Friday's event was the second ceremonial swearing-in conducted by the federal district court of Southern Illinois. The first was held two years ago in East St. Louis. Bost said it was judge J. Phil Gilbert, who presides over the federal court in Benton, who was responsible for bringing the event to the Civic Center.

"Having something like this does allow the opportunity for others to see us," Bost said. "It's good to take that oath before them, so they know that you're serious."

Among those in attendance Friday was Bost's 84-year-old father Gene, who was unable to make it to Washington when Bost was sworn-in Jan. 6 for his first term. Bost's wife Tracy held the Bible during the ceremony and his children and grandchildren occupied the first three rows of the Civic Center.

It was different scene from swearing-in day in Washington, when each Congressman is allowed only one guest in the House Chamber.

"I explain swearing-in days (in Washington) like a wedding," Shimkus said. "You have a lot of people coming into town. Some, you have to worry about where they're at. Some you don't. Unfortunately, a lot of people that come to Washington can't get in the chamber, so they have to watch it on TV. It's a really crazy day."

Shimkus said taking the oath to protect the Constitution for a second time was meaningful.

"The Constitution has been around for over 200 years old and we are very blessed by it," he said. "It is our job to keep and hold it fast and strong and secure, and that's what I've sworn to do today and that is what my colleagues will do."

Davis, a Taylorville native who is in his second term out of the 13th district, thanked the court for bringing the Congressman together. Combined, they represent the 38 southern-most counties in Illinois.

"It just reminds me of the opportunities that we have to serve this great country together," he said.

"All three of us are humbled to play a small part in helping the country move forward."