Sotomayor to become first Hispanic to administer oath of office

Vice President Joe Biden selected Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to conduct his inaugural swearing-in, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Friday, making her the first Hispanic asked to do the job.

"It's an incredible honor to have Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor swear me in," Biden said in a statement. "I believed strongly that she would make a great justice, and it was one of the greatest pleasures of my career to be involved in her selection to the court.

"From the first time I met her, I was impressed by Justice Sotomayor’s commitment to justice and opportunity for all Americans, and she continues to exemplify those values today," Biden said. "Above all, I’m happy for the chance to be sworn in by a friend—and someone I know will continue to do great things."

Sotomayor will be the fourth female judge to administer an oath of office.

She will perform the duty at Biden's official swearing-in on Sunday and at the ceremonial swearing-in on Monday.