WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP)-- Michigan has its first new U.S. senator in 14 years.
Gary Peters was sworn in Tuesday to replace Carl Levin. Peters is the only Democrat among 13 freshmen senators in the Republican-controlled Senate.
There also are five new Michigan members of the GOP-led U.S. House. They include Republicans Mike Bishop, John Moolenaar and Dave Trott and Democrats Debbie Dingell and Brenda Lawrence.
Peters says a top priority is securing federal funding for a customs plaza as part of a planned multibillion-dollar, government-owned bridge linking Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.
Peters says the bridge is possibly the most important infrastructure project in the country.
He isn't indicating if he'll vote to approve construction of the long-stalled Keystone XL oil pipeline, saying it will depend on amendments he plans to propose.