Ilhan Omar Sworn Into Congress, Takes First Votes

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ilhan Omar was sworn in Thursday as the Representative from Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, making her the first Somali-American member of Congress, the first woman of color to represent Minnesota, and one of the first two Muslim-American women elected to Congress.

At her ceremonial swearing-in, Omar used a Quran that belonged to her grandfather. As a teenager, Omar acted as her grandfather's translator at local caucuses in Minneapolis. He is the one who first sparked her interest in politics, according to a news release.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to have the opportunity to bring the voices of the people of my district to Washington and to fight for our shared values - values that put people at the center of our democracy," Omar said in a statement.

"I look forward to tackling many of the issues that I hear about most from my constituents - issues like investing in education and freeing students from the shackles of debt; ensuring a fair wage for a hard days work; creating a just immigration system and tackling the existential threat of climate change."

Omar also said she plans "to resist the current Administration's attempts to divide us and push destructive policies that chip away at our rights and freedoms."

"We have the opportunity to build a more inclusive and compassionate culture, one that will allow our economy to flourish and encourage more Americans to participate in our democracy," she added.

With her first votes in the U.S. House of Representatives, Omar voted for Nancy Pelosi to serve as Speaker of the House and for the rules of the 116th Congress. She also voted on legislation to end the government shutdown.

Image via Office of Rep. Ilhan Omar