Democrats officially take control of Senate after Harris swears in Ossoff, Warnock and Padilla Christal Hayes, USA TODAY
Replay Video UP NEXT
WASHINGTON – Georgia’s Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff were sworn into the Senate Wednesday, officially giving Democrats control of the chamber as President Joe Biden aims to push through his legislative agenda.
The senators were sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris in a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, one of her first actions as vice president hours after she and Biden celebrated their inauguration. Harris, who resigned the Senate this week before her inauguration, also swore in her replacement: Democrat Alex Padilla, California s first Latino senator.
USA Today is covering the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris live. Refresh often for updates.
After three campaigns for president, the day Biden finally became president ended with a bang.
President Joe Biden ended his inauguration day watching a massive firework show above the National Mall with his family from the Blue Room Balcony of the White House.
Singer Katy Perry performed her song “Firework” as the first family looked on, the stunning display lighting up the Washington Monument.
Vice President Kamala Harris and the second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, watched from the Lincoln Memorial, where she earlier had spoken.
With New Georgia Senators Sworn In, Democrats Officially Control The Senate
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
The Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, seen here during a campaign event in Georgia on Jan. 4, were sworn in as U.S. senators by Vice President Harris on Wednesday afternoon.
Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images
Updated at 5:06 p.m. ET
Democrats officially took control of the Senate as Georgia s two new Democratic senators-elect were sworn in Wednesday afternoon, cementing a 50-50 split, with Vice President Harris serving as the tiebreaking vote in her new role as president of the the Senate.
Harris administered the oath
after her own swearing-in.