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Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington state was sworn in to serve as President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate on Tuesday.
Murray, 72, is the first woman to serve in this role and is now third in line to the presidency.
“As the first woman to serve as President Pro Tempore, I will be the first woman to sign the bills we send to President Biden’s desk for his signature and to be designated to preside over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President,” Murray said. “It’s a responsibility I am deeply honored to take on for my country and for Washington state.”
Murray was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I hope that when young women watch footage of the first female Vice President — my friend, Kamala Harris — swearing me in today, they don’t question for a moment whether their voices matter, or if they belong in Congress. Because we need even more women to serve at every level of government.
“I care deeply about the work we do here in Congress and how that work can help the friends and neighbors I grew up with and the constituents I represent. I look forward to serving our country as President Pro Tem.”
Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, 81, was the previous President Pro Tempore, but a vacancy was created when he announced he would retire soon.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer nominated Murray to serve as Senate president pro tempore in November of 2022. Murray’s nomination was approved at the Senate Democratic Conference in December of 2022.
“I am truly honored to have earned the confidence of my colleagues to serve in the role, and the significance of this moment is certainly not lost on me,” said Murray.
As president pro tempore, Murray would preside over the Senate in the absence of the vice president. Additionally, the pro tempore has several other responsibilities, including appointing the director of the Congressional Budget Office, as well as the Senate legislative and legal counsel. President pro tempore also makes appointments to national commissions and advisory boards.
The president pro tempore can also administer oaths required by the Constitution, sign legislation, preside with the speaker of the House when the houses are in joint sessions or meetings and fulfill other obligations.
Looking ahead, Murray said she will work to defend women’s rights in her new position against the Republican-controlled Congress.
Murray’s nomination also came as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she will not seek a leadership role in the new Congress, after serving nearly two decades as the leader of House Democrats.
