[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 139 (Monday, September 9, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S5865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                Welcoming Senate-Designate George Helmy

  Madam President, now that we are 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.
  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 first century, when the Apostle 
Mark evangelized in Egypt.
  Today, there are at least half a million Coptic Americans living in 
the United States, with large communities in New Jersey and in my home 
State of New York. Today, one of 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.