Freshman U.S. Rep. William Timmons of Greenville took the oath of office on his family Bible Thursday, joining the 116th Congress as Greenville and Spartanburg’s representative. He succeeded longtime Congressman Trey Gowdy, who did not seek re-election.

Timmons was joined by his family, fiancee and staff at the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

“It’s been very hectic,” Timmons told the Herald-Journal. “It’s very hard to get the office set up, get everyone on the same page, learn the ins-and-outs and floor access. I’m pretty sure the Capitol was designed to be a maze.”

Timmons named Moutray McLaren of Greenville his chief of staff. McLaren worked under White House Budget Director Mick Mulvaney and served in Mulvaney’s South Carolina congressional office.

It didn’t take long for Timmons to get to work. He said the House rules package was being debated, and a number of votes were scheduled through 9 p.m. Thursday, with more Friday morning.

“Then I’m back in the district,” he said. “I have National Guard drill in Anderson this weekend.”

Timmons, 34, serves as a first lieutenant in the S.C. Army National Guard. In Congress, he is among 435 representatives.

Several pending issues are waiting to be resolved, and Timmons said he’s ready to get going.

He said a resolution could come soon to end the standoff between Democrats and President Donald Trump over Trump’s demand for $5 billion for a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border.

“Now that (Democrat) Nancy Pelosi is sworn in (as speaker), the dynamics will change,” Timmons said. “There will be a stronger willingness to negotiate.”

While some Democrats have threatened to impeach the president, Timmons said there is not enough evidence to remove him from office.

“Even the allegation of Russian collusion falls short,” he said.

Timmons said he plans to be transparent and accessible to his constituents. An attorney, Timmons served in the South Carolina Senate from 2016 to 2018, representing part of Greenville County.

Timmons also spent four years working for the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s office. He owns Swamp Rabbit CrossFit and Soul Yoga, and he operates the law firm Timmons & Co.

“I promised the people of South Carolina’s 4th District that I would do my best to clean up Washington, solve tough problems and honor their values,” the self-described Christian conservative said. “I heard the Upstate’s voters and will advance their priorities both in Washington and at home. They want a growing economy with high-paying jobs, a strong national defense and homeland security, education and opportunity for all, and a government we can be proud of.”

Congressmen and women earn an annual salary of $174,000.