Senate swears in new members

Seven new senators were sworn in on Tuesday afternoon as lawmakers kick-started the new Congress.

Vice President Biden swore in the freshmen, as well as 27 senators who won reelection in November. Tuesday marks the last time the outgoing vice president will preside over a new Congress.

“I’m pleased to welcome back familiar faces and express warm greetings to new members,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said to the Senate gallery, packed with staffers and family members, after the swearings-in.

{mosads}He added that while lawmakers have “hard work” ahead, the new senators should “take a moment to celebrate the rich tradition of this day.”

The event also brought a handful of former lawmakers, including former Sens. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), back to the Senate floor.

Newly retired lawmakers, including former Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), escorted their successors around the chamber. Former Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) stood with Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who will now be the longest-serving female senator, as she was sworn in by Biden.

Republicans are welcoming two new senators — Todd Young (R-Ind.) and John Kennedy (R-La.).

Democrats have five new senators: Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.).

Biden will conduct ceremonial swearings-in with new senators in the Old Senate Chamber on Tuesday afternoon.