"It's an honor and a privilege, particularly with the election of Nancy Pelosi as the first woman speaker," Hirono said. "I was really pleased to cast my vote for (Pelosi) in memory of (the late Rep.) Patsy Mink, because I know that Patsy had said to Nancy that one day you're going to be speaker. ... At that time, (Nancy) said 'No, no, no,' but here we are."

Hirono, a Democrat, joined 54 other new members of the House and 10 new members of the Senate who were sworn in for the new Congress, which began today with the election of new leaders.

In a photo opportunity later today, Hirono also will be sworn in personally by Pelosi, D-Calif., the first female speaker in the nation's history.

Hirono, 59, an attorney and former lieutenant governor, is the only new member of the state's congressional delegation. She joins three longtime members - Rep. Neil Abercrombie, Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and Sen. Dan Akaka, all Democrats - also being sworn in for the new Congress.

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