Some Big Names Watch Newest Senators Take Oath

Two former vice presidents stood beside the Senate's newest senators on the Senate floor as the two Democrats took their oaths of office, the AP reports. Former Vice President Joseph Biden was next to Alabama Democrat Doug Jones as he was sworn in Wednesday. Former Vice President Walter Mondale—himself a former Minnesota senator—stood next to Tina Smith. Swearing the newcomers into office was the current vice president, Mike Pence. Jones attracted national attention and gave his party a boost when he defeated GOP candidate Roy Moore in last month's special election in Alabama. Smith was her state's lieutenant governor when Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton appointed her to replace Sen. Al Franken. He resigned after a series of sexual harassment accusations. (More Senate stories.)