(AP) - Eric Holder was sworn in as the nation'sattorney general Tuesday, the first African-American to fill the job.

Vice President Joe Biden administered the oath to PresidentBarack Obama's pick to lead the Justice Department.

Biden said the department, under Holder, would return to a paststandard of "no politics, no ideology. Only a clear assessment offacts and law."

Hundreds of department employees packed the hallways andstairways to welcome Holder. To loud cheers and applause, hepledged to remake the department by "taking it back to what itonce was and always has to be."

Holder was confirmed Monday evening by a 75-21 Senate vote, withall the opposition coming from Republicans.

Holder takes over a department wracked by Bush administrationscandals over politically motivated hirings and firings.