Republian majority in U.S. Senate narrowed as new Dem. sworn in

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Alabama Democrat Doug Jones on Wednesday was sworn in as the southern state's newest U.S. senator, trimming the Republican majority to 51-49.

Jones took his oath of office alongside ex-Vice President Joe Biden at the noon time. The 63-year-old former U.S. attorney defeated Republican Roy Moore, who has been accused of molesting multiple teenage girls while in his 30s, in a November special election in the deep red southern state.

Walking through the Capitol for his swearing-in, Jones said: "I think any good senator is a bipartisan, and that's what I'm looking to do."

Another Democrat, Tina Smith from Minnesota, was also sworn in on the day to replace former senator Al Franken, who was forced out late last year due to multiple sexual harassment accusations.

With Jones' vote, Democrats can block any President Donald Trump nominee, or any legislation, by winning just two Republican defectors. Vice President Pence can break 50-50 ties. Enditem