As the 111th U.S. Congress convenes, one of West Virginia's veteran lawmakers is likewise preparing himself for a new role.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller, the Democrat who easily won re-election last year, will become chairman of the Senate 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 says the committee will have an important role to play in shaping whatever economic stimulus package comes out of Washington.

The senator, now in his fifth term, was previously chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Along with Rockefeller, West Virginia's four other congressional incumbents are also set to be sworn in Tuesday.

On the other hand, Virginia is officially getting four new members of Congress, all of whom are Democrats.

Former Gov. Mark Warner will take the seat of retiring Sen. John Warner Tuesday in Washington, D.C. The Warners are not related.

Also taking the oath of office are new U.S. House members Glenn Nye of the 2nd District, Tom Perriello of the 5th District and Gerald Connolly of the 11th District. Their victories in November gave Democrats a 6-5 advantage in Virginia's U.S. House delegation.