Majority Leader Schumer Floor Remarks Ahead Of The Swearing In Of New Jersey Senator Designate George Helmy

Washington, D.C. - Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor to welcome his Senate colleagues back after a productive August work period, and to applaud the swearing-in of Senator-designate George Helmy, the first-ever member of the Coptic Orthodox Church to serve in the Senate. Senator-designate Helmy has been selected to represent the people of New Jersey until they choose a new senator this November. Below are Senator Schumer's remarks, which can also be viewed here:

The Senate gavels back into session after a busy and productive August work period. I wish to extend a welcome back to all my colleagues. I hope everyone's time back home was well spent.

Last week, I traveled across Upstate New York and New York City, listening to New Yorkers from all walks of life and holding events about lowering prescription drug costs, implementing the Infrastructure Law, and all the ways Democrats are delivering for the American people.

Now that we're back, our first order of business will be to swear in the newest member of this body: George Helmy, selected to represent the people of New Jersey until they choose a new senator this November.

New Jersey couldn't have a better caretaker for the next few months: Senator-designate Helmy's career has been wholly dedicated to service. He was a longtime Senate staffer for both the late Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Cory Booker, and served as Chief of Staff to the Governor of New Jersey. George Helmy knows New Jersey like the back of his hand.

And when he is sworn in later today, he will be escorted by none other than his former boss, Senator Cory Booker. It is a proud moment for them, as well as for all of George's family.

Finally, Senator-designate Helmy's brief tenure will be historic: he will be the first-ever member of the Coptic Orthodox Church to serve in the Senate. The Coptic Church is one of the oldest institutions in all of Christianity, dating back to the 1^st-century, when the Apostle Mark evangelized in Egypt. Today, there are at least half a million Coptic Americans living in the U.S., with large communities in New Jersey and my home state of New York. Today, one among them will join this great body.

I thank George for answering the call of service. We wish him nothing but success and are ready to assist him however necessary in the weeks and months to come.

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