The new Congress — with its Republican majority in the House and a weakened Democratic majority in the Senate — opened its 112th session on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. 

Republican Pat Toomey of the Lehigh Valley is among the new senators to take office.

He replaced Arlen Specter, who lost his bid for re-election as a Democrat against Joe Sestak last spring. Sestak lost to Toomey in the general election.

“It is truly an honor to be sworn in today to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania,” said Toomey. “I am thankful for and humbled by the tremendous support I received from people all across Pennsylvania, from my family, and from my staff.”