U.S. Sen. Susan Collins today welcomed the return of Joseph Lieberman, the independent senator from Connecticut, as chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Collins, the ranking Republican on the panel, said she and Lieberman had worked together on significant anti-terrorist and government reform laws.

"I look forward to our continued partnership," she said.

In a closed-door caucus today, Senate Democrats decided not to strip Lieberman of the committee chairmanship, even though he campaigned ardently in support of Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain for president.

Democrats did impose a mild punishment, removing Lieberman as chairman of a subcommittee of the Environment and Public Works Committee.

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