Welcoming Laphonza Butler to the Senate

Floor Speech

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Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, it says, ``Let me be the first to welcome our newest colleague,'' but I see she has had a lot of good welcomes already. So let me be the first majority leader to welcome our newest colleague to the U.S. Senate, Senator Laphonza Butler, sworn in moments ago as the next Senator from California.

Mr. President, I can't help but think how proud Senator Feinstein would be seeing someone as brilliant, as accomplished, as history- making as Laphonza Butler take her place. I know that our old colleague is looking down at this moment with pride now that her seat is in good hands.

Congratulations to Senator Butler on this immense honor. This is a historic moment for the Senate, for California, and for the entire country. Senator Butler is only the third Black woman in American history to serve in the U.S. Senate. She is the first openly lesbian Senator from California, and she is the first openly LGBTQ Senator of color to serve in this body. Today, the Senate takes another step toward fully reflecting our vibrant democracy.

Now, Laphonza's life story can be summarized in two words: serving others. By her own telling, service was practically a dinner table conversation growing up in Magnolia, MS. After losing her father to illness, Laphonza watched her mom sacrifice everything to put her kids first: working night shifts as a nurse, as a security guard, a classroom aide, anything to help her kids have a better life.

No surprise, that example left a mark on Laphonza for the rest of her days. Following in her mom's footsteps, Laphonza has dedicated her entire career to fighting for others: fighting for women, fighting for working families, and fighting for the cause of justice. I know she will do the same here in the Senate.

So, again, this is a proud moment for all of us. And I know this must be a proud moment for Laphonza's family.

I know you are not supposed to address members of the Senate Gallery, Mr. President, but let me say this to everyone who had attended here and who are still here: We are all very happy Laphonza's family could join us to share in this special day. We share in their joy too.

Finally, to our colleague Laphonza, I know these last few days have felt like a whirlwind. I know it seems like there is a million things to do and so little time to do them. But rest assured, we are here to help you.

I spent a great half hour, 45 minutes talking to Laphonza, and she is going to be one great Senator. We are ready to work with her. All of us who have stood where Laphonza stands now have felt the awesome weight of holding this office and are ready to help her. I urge you, if you permit me, to never let the sense of duty disappear, for in our hands rests the trust, the wishes, the hopes, and the burdens of the American people.

So to Senator Butler, congratulations on this honor and welcome to the Senate today. Today is a day of celebration.

As we celebrate, we also remember to give thanks to our late colleague and friend Senator Feinstein.

For the information of Senators, the floor of the Senate will close so Members can attend the memorial service of Senator Feinstein in San Francisco this Thursday. And on that day, it will be my honor to speak at Senator Feinstein's memorial to give thanks for all she did for this country and to honor the legacy she leaves behind.

I hope all my colleagues who worked with her all these years are able to attend so we can say a final goodbye to one of the greatest public servants to serve in this Chamber.

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