(JUNEAU) - The Senate majority caucus met on Thursday and unanimously confirmed Gov. Frank Murkowski's appointment of Rep. Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) to the Senate seat vacated by Sen. Alan Austerman earlier this month.

Today, Gary Stevens was sworn into the body by Senate President Gene Therriault (R-North Pole), and had his Senate member pin presented by Senate Rules Chairman John Cowdery (R-Anchorage).

"This is a great honor for me," said Sen. Gary Stevens following his first Senate floor session. "I look forward to providing the people of Senate seat R with the same strong leadership they have come to expect under former Sen. Austerman."

"I was pleased that Gary's appointment received unanimous support from the members of the Senate majority," Therriault said. "That bodes well for a good working relationship."

Stevens says that he is looking forward to working with his fellow Senators to advance his personal goals of improving education and fisheries.

The Senate's Committee on Committees also met on Friday to address the reorganization issues. The most notable committee changes include:

Sen. Gary Stevens will chair the Senate State Affairs committee - he will also replace Sen. Austerman on the Senate's Labor and Commerce and Community and Regional Affairs committee.

Sen. Robin Taylor (R-Wrangell) will replace Sen. Austerman on the Senate Finance Committee.

For a full copy of the Committee on Committee's report contact the Senate Majority Press Office at (907) 465-3803.

# # #