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Outgoing VP Harris Swears in New Senators as Republicans Secure 53-47 Senate Majority

Jan 3, 2025, 07:29 PM

The U.S. Senate convened under Republican control on January 3, 2025, marking the beginning of the 119th Congress. Outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris, in one of her final acts before leaving office, presided over the session and swore in new senators, including Republicans Bernie Moreno (OH), Dave McCormick (PA), Jim Banks (IN), and Tim Sheehy (MT), as well as several Democrats such as Adam Schiff (CA). The Republicans secured a 53-47 majority after flipping four seats in the November elections, ending the Democrats' narrow control of the chamber. Senator John Thune (R-SD) assumed the role of Senate Majority Leader, while Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) became the Senate Majority Whip. The new Republican majority is set to work with President-elect Donald Trump to advance their legislative agenda. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), 91, was sworn in as Senate president pro tempore, placing him third in the presidential line of succession.