COLUMBIA, S.C. - U.S. Sen.-elect Jim DeMint said Monday he was pleased with his committee assignments for the 109th Congress.

When DeMint, R-S.C., is sworn in next month, he will serve on the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, the Committee on Environment and Public Works, the Joint Economic Committee and the Special Committee on Aging.

"These committees will put me in a position to work on important legislation impacting South Carolina and our nation," DeMint said.

DeMint succeeds retiring Democratic Sen. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings, who will leave Washington after serving 38 years.

"Sen. Hollings has served on Commerce for many years and I'm glad to continue to represent South Carolina on the committee," DeMint said.