Jeff Sessions Sworn In For Third Term

Washington Senate U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions was sworn in by Vice President Dick Cheney.

by Senator Jeff Sessions' Office

Published: Tue, January 06, 2009 - 5:25 pm CST Last Updated: Tue, January 06, 2009 - 5:27 pm CST

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) was sworn in today for a third term as a United States Senator.

The Swearing-In Ceremony, officiated by Vice President Dick Cheney, took place in the Senate chamber. In accordance with tradition, Sessions was escorted into the Senate by Alabama Senator Richard Shelby, where he then took the oath of office for a six-year term.

“It is a true honor for me to represent the people of Alabama in the United States Senate. It’s a long way from the creek bank of Alabama, and I find it hard to believe I am commencing a third term. I will continue to do my best to be worthy of the highest values of our state.”

Sessions won re-election to the Senate in November, where he garnered 63 percent of the vote, receiving more votes than any other candidate on the ballot.

“The thing I’ve heard most as I’ve travelled across the state during the past year is the simple wish by average people that accountability, common sense, and principled decision-making be restored in Washington,” Sessions said. “We face serious economic challenges, but we must always remember that there are no free lunches and every debt must be repaid. Someone must stand up to the current bailout mentality, and I plan to continue to be a strong voice for discipline and common-sense policies in the Senate.”

Sessions was first elected into the Senate in 1996. Before being elected to Congress, Sessions served as Alabama Attorney General, the state’s chief legal officer. Prior to that post, Sessions was appointed in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan as United States Attorney for Alabama’s Southern District, a position he held for 12 years.

In the Senate, Sessions is a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, where he is the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee. Sessions also serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Sessions was one of 34 Senators sworn in today’s ceremony. His wife, Mary Sessions, his daughter Ruth, and son-in-law John Walk were also present.

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