Loretta Lynch sworn in as attorney general

Attorney General Loretta Lynch was sworn into office Monday, making her the first African-American woman ever to hold the Justice Department's top job.

"I am honored beyond words to step into this larger role today," Lynch said.

President Obama nominated Lynch in November to succeed Eric Holder, who announced last year he would step down after a six-year tenure. A longtime federal prosecutor, Lynch then had to wait months for a confirmation vote as the Senate stalled over an unrelated human trafficking bill. Last week, the Senate finally voted 56-43 to confirm Lynch.

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