Senator Murray Statement on Being Elected President Pro Tempore

WATCH HERE: Senator Murray Sworn in as First-ever Woman President Pro Tempore

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement after she was elected by her colleagues to serve as President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate. She is the first woman to ever serve in the role.

“Moments ago, I was sworn in to continue being a voice for Washington state here in the Senate and was elected by my colleagues to serve as President Pro Tempore—the first woman to ever hold the position. 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.

“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. It’s a responsibility I am deeply honored to take on for my country and for Washington state. And 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.”