RI Current: Gabe Amo returns to R.I. just in time for Washington Bridge bypass

From the political mayhem unfolding in the halls of Congress, to the outrage still spewing forth over the Washington Bridge closure, Congressman Gabe Amo hasn’t exactly had a stress-free week.

Nonetheless, Amo reported a smooth commute to his scheduled interview at WPRI-12’s East Providence studio Friday morning, with the newly reopened westbound bypass lanes opposite him also appearing unclogged during the morning commute.

Rhode Island’s newest congressman was taking it all in stride, glad to be back in his native Rhode Island and ready to celebrate his still-fresh victory in a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony in Providence on Sunday, Dec. 17.

It’s been a whirlwind tour since Amo made his debut on Capitol Hill. Less than two weeks after winning the Nov. 7 special election to represent Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District, Amo was sworn into office on the House floor just in time to vote on the stopgap spending bill aimed at avoiding a partial government shutdown. Since then, Amo’s duties have ranged from hiring a staff and setting up offices in D.C. and Pawtucket to a dissenting vote on the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, narrowly approved along party lines in the House on Dec. 13.

Asked what the biggest challenge has been, Amo said, “All of them.”

“They’re all equally weighted,” he said in an interview on Friday.

Still, Amo stressed the urgency of his work to be “as helpful as I can” to his constituents facing hourslong traffic jams, school disruptions and business losses in the wake of the abrupt bridge closure days on Dec. 11.

From a personal phone call to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to working with the rest of the congressional delegation to secure faster federal relief and funds, Amo said he’s committed to pulling out all the stops. 

Even though he’s back on break from his D.C. duties, he plans to continue his work at home, albeit with a brief pause to celebrate his victory this weekend.

The ceremonial swearing-in, to be held at U.S. District Court in Providence, will feature a host of federal, state and local officials, along with Amo’s family and friends who were unable to attend his official ceremony in D.C. in November. The event is open to the public, although RSVPs were required and invitations have now closed for security purposes.

Looking ahead, Amo already has a resolution in mind for the new year: more sleep, more exercise, lots of water and “to continue to prioritize the needs of Rhode Islanders every single day.”