Courtesy Photo­Image Fischer swears to defend and uphold, as her husband Bruce holds the Bible and Biden administers the oath.

Courtesy Photo­Image Deb Fischer

Deb Fischer was officially sworn-in as a United States senator Thursday in the U.S. Capitol by Vice President Joe Biden.

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The ceremony marked the official beginning of the ranch wife and former state senator's six-year term, as well as the start of the 113th Congress.

Fischer swore to ‘support and defend’ the Constitution, a sacred charge.

"I am committed to working with my colleagues – Republicans and Democrats – to restore America’s fidelity to her constitutional principles," she said. "That will require policies that limit the size of government, revitalize our ailing economy, and respect the liberties and hard-earned money of American taxpayers."

She said the road ahead requires tough choices.

Fischer encourages constitutents to be engaged in the democratic process.

"A healthy democracy requires an ongoing conversation between lawmakers and constituents," she said.

Fischer's office phone number is 202-224-6551.

She was not appointed to the Senate agriculture committee, but to these committees:

• Armed Services

• Commerce, Science, and Transportation

• Environment and Public Works

• Small Business

• Indian Affairs

Fischer was escorted by Sen. Mike Johanns and former Nebraska Sen. David Karnes.