Since November 2, Bill Flores has had the title of "Congressman-elect". The "elect" will officially come off this week.

The new representative for Texas' 17th District in the U.S. House of Representatives was on Brazos Valley This Morning Monday to discuss his transition. He will be formally sworn into office Wednesday, though his Washington office will get to work Monday as the 112th Congress begins.

You can watch the entire interview with Flores by clicking on the attached video.

A retired energy executive who lives in Bryan, Flores defeated ten-term Congressman Chet Edwards by 25 points in the general election. Edwards, a Democrat, had represented the majority of the Brazos Valley since 2004 following redistricting.

Flores will be one of 87 Republican freshman in the House this session. The GOP will control the House, while Democrats maintain a slim majority in the Senate.

Last month, Flores was assigned to a trio of committees: Natural Resources, Budget, and Veterans’ Affairs. He released the following statement after the assignments were announced:

“It is an honor to have been selected to serve on three committees that are of such critical importance to Texas and our District. After more than 30 years in the energy industry, I look forward to having the opportunity to apply my experience and knowledge to successfully carrying out my post on the Natural Resources Committee. It is critical that the legislation we tackle during this Congress works to create a common sense, market-based, comprehensive energy plan for America. In addition, my experience in working through recessions, balancing budgets, meeting payrolls, and helping grow companies with good American jobs will be integral not only to my work on Natural Resources, but it will also be critical for my service on the Budget Committee. Congress is going to have to make tough decisions for America to begin reducing the heavy debt burden which has been placed on the shoulders of future generations. I am prepared to do so through my service on Budget. With regard to the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the importance of veterans not only to America, but to our District is immeasurable. It is an absolute honor to serve on a Committee whose responsibility is to improve the lives of and care received by our Nation’s veterans.”