Patty Murray Becomes 1st Woman Pro Tempore of US Senate

On Tuesday, Senator Patty Murray was sworn in as President Pro Tempore of the US Senate.

She was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris to become the first woman in the history of the US to hold such a position.

Murray is now temporarily the second person in line for the presidency after the vice president and the speaker of the House of Representatives.

Newly elected and re-elected senators took the oath before the Congress officially kicked off. 

The position of President Pro Tempore is usually held by the senior of the majority party. 

Senator Murray replaced Senator Patrick Leahy after spending almost five decades in the position. 

After her election, Murray said: "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."

She added: "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."

On his side, US President Joe Biden tweeted: "We’re witnessing history on Capitol Hill – by unanimous consent," wrote President Biden. "The first woman to be elected President Pro Tempore of the senate. Congrats to you, Patty. I look forward to continuing our work together."