Senate swears-in Doug Jones, GOP majority shrinks

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Doug Jones swearing-in

Alabama Democrat Sen. Doug Jones was sworn in to the United States Senate Wednesday, narrowing the Republican majority 51-49 in the upper chamber.

Jones arrived at the ceremony with former vice president Joe Biden as his escort, where current Vice President Mike Pence administered the oath of office.

Jones, 63, is the first Alabama Democrat to be elected to the Senate in a quarter century. He defeated Republican Roy Moore last month in a special election to fill the remainder of Jeff Sessions term after he resigned to be attorney general.

“I will be an independent voice and work to find common ground with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get Washington back on track and fight to make our country a better place for all,” Jones said after defeating Moore.

Alabama’s sole Democrat in the House, 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell went to Jones’ swearing-in ceremony and welcomed him to 115th Congress.

“Sen. Doug Jones’ swearing in today was a historic landmark for Alabama voters,” said Sewell. “I am thrilled to have a new partner in the Senate who is ready to tackle the challenges facing our state. As a former U.S. attorney, Sen. Jones brings to Congress his experience fighting for the most vulnerable among us. On issues ranging from healthcare to job creation to tax reform, I am confident that Sen. Jones will put the people of Alabama first.”