Freshmen lawmakers take office today

Kay Hagan is officially North Carolina's Senator. She was sworn into office shortly after noon today.

Hagan, a Democrat, was escorted to the front of the Senate chamber by Sen. Richard Burr, the state's other senator, who is a Republican.

She brought a personal Bible with her and placed her hand on its black cover as her grinning family watched from the Senate chamber gallery. Afterwards, her family jumped up and applauded. As Hagan walked back to her seat, she gave a great big smile in their direction.

Hagan's desk is on the Democratic side in the second row in the Senate chamber. She is seated next to Sen. Bob Casey, a Pennsylvania Democrat.

Before her swearing in, Hagan spent much of her time chatting with Casey. She also shook hands with Sen. Hilary Clinton, who is nominated to be President-elect Barack Obama's secretary of state, and reached across the aisle to shake hands with several of her Republican colleagues.

Members of Congress returned to the Capitol today in an environment of economic turmoil and political uncertainty.

"I think the economy is going to be front and center in all regards," said Rep. Larry Kissell, a Biscoe Democrat who beat five-term Rep. Robin Hayes in November for a seat in Congress. "It is a national issue, but will carry forward to a local level."

The election of Hagan and Kissell added to the Democratic majority in both chambers. North Carolina will now have nine Democrats and six Republicans representing the state in Washington.

One of the first things lawmakers are expected to tackle is an economic stimulus package being pulled together by Obama. It's likely to extend unemployment and food stamp benefits. It's also expected to include a large infrastructure program to replace or fix road, water and sewer systems, among other projects.