Jon Kyl sworn in as John McCain's successor in U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON (KSAZ/AP) -- Republican Jon Kyl of Arizona, who served three terms in the Senate before retiring in 2012, was sworn in Wednesday to fill the seat left open by the death of Sen. John McCain.

Kyl, 76, has committed to serve only until the end of the current congressional session on Jan. 3. Still, he'll have the chance to cast key votes, including on spending bills to keep the government running and on whether to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

His support will give Republicans more of a cushion to confirm Kavanaugh before the midterm elections in November. Republicans may also need his help on other Trump nominees.

>>VIDEO: Jon Kyl sworn in to fill seat left open by the death of John McCain

Kyl was warmly greeted by senators from both parties as he entered the Senate chamber. Vice President Mike Pence swore Kyl in while fellow Republican Sen. Jeff Flake stood by his side. Kyl then walked over to McCain's old desk as colleagues applauded.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he could not be happier that the "new, not-so-junior senator" will be working during a time that he described as "all hands on deck for the American people." He described Kyl as "one of the most serious, most expert, and most effective legislators with whom I've had the pleasure of serving."

Before the appointment, Kyl served as Kavanaugh's Senate guide, accompanying him on courtesy visits to Capitol Hill.

Separately, GOP senators decided to make Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., the new chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. McCain had chaired that committee since 2015. The full Senate is expected to formally affirm the selection before the end of the week. Inhofe served as acting chairman while McCain underwent cancer treatment in Arizona. McCain, a Republican, died last month at age 81.