U.S. Rep.-elect Kristi Noem vows to help provide oversight, create jobs

U.S. Rep.-elect Kristi Noem said today that she intends to provide strong oversight over President Obama’s administration through her work on two Congressional committees.

Noem also said she will work hard to rev up the economy in her roles on the House Committee on Education and Labor; and the House Committee on Natural Resources.

 “Job No. 1 for this incoming Congress is getting our economy back on track,” Noem said during a conference call with reporters moments ago.

 Noem said the education and labor committee can “stop bad policies from being put into place through its oversight role.”

 “We have the responsibility as Congress to make sure the administration is accountable to the American people for their actions,” she said.

 Noem will be sworn in at noon on Jan. 5 as South Dakota’s lone House member.

 Her office will be in the Cannon House Office Building south of the Capitol. It dates to 1908 and is the oldest congressional office building in Washington.

 Noem said she will have an open-door policy, adding that she hopes South Dakotans take the opportunity to visit her office when they are in Washington.

 “I hope that South Dakotans take me up on this offer,” she said.

 Noem defeated U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin in the November elections.