Allen West sworn in Congress

Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., was sworn in to Congress on Jan. 5, accompanied by his teenage daughters, Aubrey and Austen, and his wife, Angela.

"South Floridians elected me with expectations that I will come to Washington and fight for what is important to them," West said in a statement. "My first priorities will be turning around this disastrous economy, limiting government spending and national security."

West has accepted appointments to the House Armed Services Committee and the Small Business Committee, according to the press release.

"Today is a day I will never forget," West said. "I spent 22 years wearing the uniform of a United States soldier fighting for this country. I may be in a different kind of uniform today, but my willingness to do whatever it takes to protect Americans remains the same."