The country faces its gravest economic crisis in generations, and West Virginia's junior senator has assumed a pivotal role in addressing it.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a Democrat who easily won re-election last year, was sworn in for a fifth term in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday. Rockefeller started a new role as chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

The powerful body has jurisdiction over a broad range of issues, ranging from communication to consumer protection to highway safety.

Rockefeller said the committee will have an important role to play in shaping whatever economic stimulus package comes out of Washington.

Along with Rockefeller, West Virginia's four other congressional incumbents were sworn in Tuesday.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a Democrat who easily won re-election last year, was sworn in for a fifth term in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday. Rockefeller started a new role as chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

The powerful body has jurisdiction over a broad range of issues, ranging from communication to consumer protection to highway safety.

Rockefeller said the committee will have an important role to play in shaping whatever economic stimulus package comes out of Washington.

Along with Rockefeller, West Virginia's four other congressional incumbents were sworn in Tuesday.