Cheery day as Utahns sworn into Congress

WASHINGTON — Highlighting a day rich in pageantry and pleasantry, two of Utah's three returning representatives and newly re-elected U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett were sworn in Tuesday as members of the 109th Congress.

And all that partisan bickering that marked the seemingly interminable 108th Congress seemed forgotten amid the applause, congratulatory handshakes and posing for photos, not to mention last-minute prayers for bipartisan cooperation.

"My perspective is optimistic," Bennett said, predicting the "mood" in the Senate will be much improved under the new leadership of Nevada Sen. Harry Reid, who replaces the defeated Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., as the minority leader. "Sen. Daschle paid for his obstruction with his own seat, and that sends a message to the other senators that obstruction is not a good strategy."

With an increased GOP majority and Reid at the helm of the Democratic ship, "I predict a smoother trajectory," he added.

In the House, Republicans also expanded their majority, but not at the expense of Utah Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson, who won re-election despite running in a strongly Republican district.

"I am honored by the trust and support of Utahns who once again have given me the opportunity to serve our state," said Matheson, whose family was in the nation's capital to celebrate the event.

"We face some significant challenges and I will work hard to ensure that our families are safe and that their economic future is bright."

Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, is finding his future in the House unexpectedly bright. In a surprise move, House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., announced Monday night that Bishop, re-elected to just his second term, has been appointed to the powerful Rules Committee.

"I am not breaking any new ground, but it is unusual" for a sophomore lawmaker to be appointed to Rules, he said. "They said they liked my experience (on the Rules Committee in the Utah Legislature) and they liked my demeanor."

House Rules serves as the gatekeeper for all legislation and amendments debated on the House floor. In effect, the committee decides bills and amendments to be debated, and it manages the agenda for everything that happens on the House floor. And it could, if members chose, defy leadership and even hold legislation hostage.