U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye became a grandfather for the first time yesterday morning when his son Ken's wife Jessica gave birth to a 7-pound, 8-ounce girl.

Mary Margaret "Maggie" Inouye was born at 10:49 a.m., Eastern time, at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., the senator's office said this morning.

"I've been waiting for this moment for many years. I'm finally a grandfather and I'm especially happy that Maggie is beautiful and doing well," said Inouye, 85.

Ken Inouye said the child was named for two "strong, elegant women." His wife's grandmother was named Mary and his mother, Margaret, was known as "Maggie."

"I'm nervous but looking forward to the challenges ahead and to showing her everything that makes Hawai'i great," Ken Inouye said.