Looks like the incoming freshmen class of Republicans has all of their talking points down pat -- we care about small businesses, tax cuts control runaway spending, we're listening to the American people, freedom, and god bless America! Or in other words, another two years of platitudes and trickle-down economics.

The American people have sent 85 new Republicans to Washington with a clear message: listen up, stop the job-killing policies, stop the runaway spending, and focus on getting our country back on track.

This week, Americans will gather to give thanks for what matters most: for me, that’s family, faith and freedom. We are fortunate to live in a country where we, the people, are free to speak out and alter the course of our government.

Hi, I’m Austin Scott. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of being elected to represent the people of Georgia’s Eighth Congressional District.

The people certainly picked the right group of messengers to get the job done. Our freshman class includes seven farmers, six medical doctors, three car dealers, a former FBI agent, a pizzeria owner, and a former NFL lineman. All told, we’ve got 33 small businesspeople, folks who understand what it’s like to sign the front of a paycheck, and not just the back of one. It’s a new breed of leaders for a new majority and a new Congress.

Republican leaders recognize how extraordinary our class is. The day after the election, they put us to work as part of the transition team planning for the new majority. Our freshman class has also been granted an unprecedented two seats at the leadership table in the 112th Congress.

We’re excited to have Kristi Noem and Tim Scott representing us on the leadership team. But let’s face facts: fresh faces alone aren’t enough to bring about the change in course the American people are demanding. The real work lies ahead.

As much as we have to be thankful for, too many Georgians and too many Americans have been out of work for far too long. Our new Republican majority is ready to focus on creating jobs and putting a stop to the runaway spending in Washington, DC. House Republicans have put a plan of action on paper with the Pledge to America, a governing agenda built by listening to the people.

Watching our democracy work just as our founding fathers intended reminds us how hard-fought and hard-won our freedoms are. At this hour, tens of thousands of our sons and daughters are overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world standing guard in defense of our country and the values on which it was built. We give thanks to our true heroes in uniform, we keep faith with them, and we mourn their fallen comrades.

Thank you for listening. May God bless you, those you hold dear, and the great United States of America.”