Seth Moulton To Be Sworn In As Massachusetts' Newest Congressman

BOSTON (AP) — Democrat Seth Moulton, Massachusetts' newest member of Congress, says he hopes to focus on the needs of his district while bringing his experience as a former U.S. Marine to a fractious Washington.

Moulton is one of 71 new members of both parties to arrive in the capitol this week. He's scheduled to take his oath of office at noon Tuesday in the House of Representatives.

The Iraq war veteran upset nine-term Democratic Congressman John Tierney in the September primary and won the state's 6th District seat by defeating Republican Richard Tisei in November.

Moulton will start the day at a bipartisan prayer breakfast before volunteering to prepare items for a food truck that serves hot meals across D.C. He's also scheduled an open house at his D.C. office for constituents and supporters.

Moulton says one of his top priorities is improving the economy in his district, including helping fishermen in Gloucester who have found themselves at odds with federal regulators. He said another top goal is helping fix the Veteran Administration's health care system.

Moulton, who served four tours of duty in Iraq, said he's also concerned about putting more U.S. troops into harm's way overseas.

"I'm very skeptical," Moulton said Monday in an interview with The Associated Press. "At the end of the day, Iraq has got to be able to defend its own borders and protect its own people. This can't be America's long term fight."

He said Congress needs to debate the nation's ongoing role in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. He said he and other younger veterans who have served in those conflicts can bring a vital perspective to the debate.

"That is Congress' responsibility," He said," It's not something we should abrogate."

Moulton is also aware that his clout in Washington will be limited by the fact that he's in the minority party.

Despite that, Moulton said he's determined to reach out to Republicans to try to find some common ground.

"I saw a clear mandate in the election to work with people on both sides of the aisle and that's what we need to do now as Democrats in the House," he said.

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