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He succeeds John Peterson, R-Pleasantville, who did not seek re-election after holding the seat for 12 years.
"To stand on the House floor today and take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America is awe inspiring and in some sense a surreal moment," Thompson said. "However, the job before me, which is to represent the citizens and interests of the 5th District and to work with my colleagues across the aisle to get the economy back on stable ground, is a task that I am more than ready to embark upon and eager to get under way.
"As I said on the campaign trail and above all else, my motto of people above politics will continue to guide my thinking and shape my positions in the months and years ahead," he said. "The people of the 5th District and the country are tired of the partisan debate that has dominated Washington for all too long and I look forward to working across the aisle on a host of issues including rural healthcare reform, a comprehensive energy plan and providing an environment where small businesses can create new, good paying, family sustaining jobs.
"The challenges are great but the opportunity to change the way Washington operates and give the government back to the people is a challenge I willfully accept and plan on tackling in the days and years ahead," he said.
Thompson, who hails from the small town of Howard near Interstate 80 in Centre County, joins 55 newly elected members in the 111th's freshman class. The House consists of 435 voting members and six non-voting Members from the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. Members are elected to a two-year term.
Thompson's offices include:
* Washington, DC, Office: 124 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC, 20515; (202) 225-5121.
* Bellefonte District Office: 3555 Benner Pike, Suite 101, Bellefonte, PA, 16823; 353-0215.
* Titusville District Office: 127 W. Spring St., Suite C, Titusville, PA, 16354; 827-3985.
