WASHINGTON – Chris Coons was sworn in on Tuesday afternoon on the Senate floor after being elected to his first full term as Delaware’s United States Senator. Vice President Biden held the same seat in the Senate for 36 years. Sen. Coons was sworn in along with 34 other senators, including 13 new senators.
“It was an honor to be sworn in again, to continue to serve Delaware for the next six years,” said Senator Coons. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work together with other colleagues in the Senate, both Democrats and Republicans to try and find common ground. I am hopeful in the years ahead, we can get develop real solutions to the jobs challenge, create better opportunities for our middle class, and to continue to get people back to work by fixing our roads and bridges.”
Once the official swearing in ceremony on the floor of the Senate concluded, Sen. Coons greeted guests at his reception. Among those in attendance included Vice President Joe Biden, Delaware senior senator Tom Carper as well as Senators Nelson (Florida), Schatz (Hawaii), Franken (Minnesota), Tester (Montana), Booker (New Jersey), Schumer (New York) and Merkley (Oregon).
Afterward, Senator Coons was sworn-in again as part of a re-enactment, this time surrounded by family, and press in the Old Senate Chamber.
The recent outcome of the 2014 elections placed Democrats in the minority party, 54-44, with two independents.
Sen. Coons stayed focused on delivering results for the people who sent him back to Washington for his second term.
“There are real differences between Republicans and Democrats, and we will have our fights,” said Sen. Coons. “I am going to be working hard to make progress on the things that will make a difference in the lives of Delawareans.”