[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 162 (Tuesday, October 3, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4901-S4902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                WELCOMING LAPHONZA BUTLER TO THE SENATE

  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

[[Page S4902]]

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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