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New Senate sworn in

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor January 6, 2009 12:17 PM

kerryswearingin.jpg
(US Senate)

Senator John F. Kerry takes the oath of office from Vice President Dick Cheney.

While most attention is on the two US Senate seats that remain vacant, it's a big day for the 98 senators who are there.

Nine new senators are taking the oath of office today, including Jeanne Shaheen, the former New Hampshire governor who ousted Republican incumbent John Sununu Jr. in November.

John F. Kerry is starting his fifth term as the junior senator from Massachusetts. Much of his attention will be on the opportunities and challenges abroad as he takes the gavel as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

UPDATE: “I am excited about the work ahead in this new Congress," Kerry said in a statement after his swearing-in. "We’ve got a partner for Massachusetts with Barack Obama in the White House and Teddy and I now get to serve with larger Democratic majorities in Congress, which means we’ll have the votes to create jobs, get better health care, end the war in Iraq and give veterans what they deserve. I’m especially honored to serve as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. I know that we can do a lot of good on the committee to strengthen America’s hand in Afghanistan and Pakistan, work towards global climate change solutions, and make America stronger and safer in the world. I’m eager to get started.”

The senior senator from the Bay State, Edward M. Kennedy, is in the middle of his eighth term. Battling brain cancer, Kennedy's focus will be on healthcare, in particular moving toward universal coverage that would bring in the estimated 47 million Americans without insurance.

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My God continue to bless you Senator Kennedy

Posted by MeMe January 6, 09 04:21 PM
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