Richard Burr sworn in to U.S. Senate
By Samantha Young
Stephens Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON - Richard Burr on Tuesday was sworn in as North Carolina's
56th U.S. senator, with three of his predecessors standing by his side.
Burr was escorted to the well of the Senate chamber by former Sens. Jesse
Helms and James Broyhill, both R-N.C. As is tradition, the state's other
senator, Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., also accompanied Burr.
"Today is an opportunity for the ceremonial day," Burr said
"The real work starts tomorrow."
For the next few months, Burr and his staff will operate out of a temporary
four-room suite in the basement of a Senate office building. Burr said he
should be moved into a full Senate office by March.
The day of celebration was bittersweet for Burr, 49, who spoke fondly
of his mother, Martha, who died last week. His father, wife Brooke, sons
Tyler and William and other family members made the trip from Winston-Salem
to Washington.
Burr rushed around the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, attending a Congressional
Black Caucus ceremony where Rep. Mel Watt, D-N.C., was sworn in as chairman.
Camera crews and journalists cornered the new senator in the hallway on
his way to get his photo taken with Vice President Dick Cheney. And he made
an appearance at a reception for North Carolinians who wanted to greet their
new senator.
Burr was one of six Republicans to win an open Senate seat in November,
cementing the Republican hold on the South and increasing the party's margin
in the Senate to 55 Republicans, 44 Democrats and one Independent. The North
Carolinian was among nine new senators and 25 incumbents sworn into the
Senate for the next six years.
"Clearly the administration has set a bold agenda with Social Security,
foreign policy, litigation reform, the natural disaster in Asia and the
Iraqi war," Burr said.
"I think this institution has always proven that with the right
leadership, it can rise to the occasion."
Burr will serve on the Energy Committee; Health, Education, Labor and
Pensions Committee; Indian Affairs Committee; and the Veterans Affairs Committee.
Burr first was elected to Congress in 1994, serving five terms representing
North Carolina's 5th District.
While in the House, the former salesman was a reliable ally of business
groups, advocating lower taxes and more limited federal government.
Business leaders showed their appreciation last year, giving Burr almost
$2.2 million in Political Action Committee contributions toward his Senate
bid, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
He defeated Democrat Erskine Bowles - former President Clinton's chief
of staff - in a costly race that drew donors and volunteers from across
the country.
After the swearing-in ceremony, Burr threw a private reception at the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Copyright 2002, Stephens Media Group
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