In a statement Wednesday, the Democrat said the excitement he felt in 1963 when he first became a senator is still with him.

He also says he’s prepared to tackle the challenges that await him at the start of the 112th Congress.

Inouye will retain chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Across Capitol Hill, Democratic Rep. Mazie Hirono on Wednesday began her third, 2-year term representing Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District.

Democratic Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who defeated incumbent Republican Rep. Charles Djou for the 1st Congressional District in November, also was sworn in.