Majority Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On Departing New Jersey Senator George Helmy

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor to thank Senator George Helmy of New Jersey for his work in the Senate, including the historic impact of being the first Senator from the Coptic Church. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:

Today, we say thank you and farewell to another member of our caucus, the Junior Senator from New Jersey, Senator George Helmy. Senator Helmy will resign this weekend to make way for our new colleague, Senator-elect Andy Kim, who we are all very excited to get to work with.

In a very short amount of time, Senator Helmy put his name on over 30 pieces of legislation, advocated for children’s mental health, and he stood up for the well-being of people in New Jersey, across America, and around the world. I would also be remiss if I didn’t point out that Senator Helmy never hesitated to preside during Pro-forma sessions – a thankless but necessary job.

Senator Helmy’s service will also be remembered for its historical significance: he was the first Senator from the Coptic Church. Senator Helmy’s faith had an immediate and direct impact here in the Senate, when he invited His Grace, Bishop David of the Diocese of New York and New England, to the Senate a few weeks ago to deliver the first-ever Senate opening prayer by a member of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

So, Senator Helmy: congratulations for a job well done. You made New Jersey proud. We wish you and your family all the best.

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