As Schmitt is sworn in, divided federal government takes sharper focus

While Eric Schmitt was sworn in as Missouri’s new senator, members of the House failed to elect a speaker for the first time in a century.
Missouri’s federal delegation got a bit of a makeover on Tuesday when Eric Schmitt was sworn in as the state’s junior U.S. senator.

Flanked by outgoing Sen. Roy Blunt, Schmitt took the oath of office on Tuesday for his six-year term. It was a culmination of sorts for a meticulous rise through state politics that started in city government in Glendale and the halls of Missouri Senate and eventually led to statewide elections as state treasurer, attorney general and finally U.S. Senator in November.

In a statement, Schmitt said he will “continue to serve as a champion for all Missourians, to fight for the farmers, the small business owners, and Missouri parents and families, and will continue to push back on government intrusion and overreach at every step.”