Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy will be sworn-In as Senate President Pro Tem by Vice President Joe Biden at 11:30 am on Tuesday, December 18, on the Senate Floor. The largely ceremonial post is, nevertheless, constitutionally third in line to the presidency behind the vice president and the speaker of the house.
Leahy could have also taken the post of Appropriations Committee chairman, perhaps the most powerful position in the Senate next to Majority Leader. Leahy, already the second ranking Democrat on Appropriations instead will keep his current assignments there and as chairman of the key Judiciary Committee.
Chairing the Judiciary Committee and maintaining my seniority on the Appropriations Committee will allow me to protect both the Constitution and Vermont," Leahy said.
The swearing in, in the well of the Senate chamber, will be conducted by Vice President Joe Biden, who also serves as President of the Senate. Video and audio are available live on CSPAN2. Last night the Senate by voice vote passed S.Res.619, appointing Leahy as President Pro Tempore.
Patrick Leahy to be Senate President Pro Tem, third in line to the presidency
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on