Bradley Byrne was sworn in as Alabama’s new representative for the first Congressional district Wednesday, saying he will be a “problem solver, not a problem maker.”

“To the people of the First District of Alabama, I promise that I will work hard every day to serve you and build upon the trust you have placed in me to represent you in our nation’s capital,” Byrne said in a speech in front of the House. “To the Members of this House — I am ready to roll up my shirt sleeves and work with you, as a problem solver, not a problem maker; as a work horse, not a show horse. This is a great country, Mr. Speaker. But over the past several years, we have failed to live up to that greatness.  I come to this House ready to work together with each of you to find solutions that will make this country truly great again.

Byrne, a Republican from Montrose,was elected with 71 percent of the vote in a special election last month. He replaces Jo Bonner, R-Mobile, who resigned in August 2013 to take a job with the University of Alabama system.

Speaker of the House John Boehner congratulated Congressman Byrne.

“Today, we are pleased to welcome Bradley Byrne as the newest Member of the United States House of Representatives,” Boehner said. “As the House looks forward to a year addressing important issues like reducing the deficit and debt, protecting the American people from the effects of the President’s health care law, and helping create more private sector jobs, I look forward to Congressman Byrne adding his expertise in business and public service to our discussion. Welcome to the people’s House, Congressman.”