11/30/18
There is a new member of the House even though only it will be a short career. FOX’s Chad Pergram explains in today’s “Speaker’s Lobby”:
I’m Chad Pergram with the Speaker’s Lobby.
Michigan Democrat Brenda Jones is the newest member of the House.
She’ll also only serve as a member for a few weeks.
Detroit voters elected Jones in a special election to finish the unexpired term of former Democratic Michigan Congressman John Conyers who resigned. Democrat Rashida Tlaib won the seat for the full term which begins in January.
The House swore-in Jones even though she will simultaneously remain President of the Detroit City Council.
As a Member of Congress, Jones will earn a salary, introduce legislation and be permitted to speak and vote on the House floor.
But before swearing in Jones, the House will adopt a resolution saying Jones could hold both positions. That’s because of a 1909 precedent. The House declared the seat of Republican Connecticut Congressman George Lilley vacant more than a hundred years ago after he was elected Governor of Connecticut.
So, the House had to sign off on seating Jones, even though she’s still on the Detroit City Council.
And come January 3rd, Jones short time in Washington ends.
With the Speaker’s Lobby, Chad Pergram, FOX News.
Follow Chad on Twitter: @ChadPergram
