[Page S6827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Tribute to George S. Helmy

  Mr. President, now, on Senator Helmy, 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, stood up 
for the well-being of the people of 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 on a job well-done. You made New 
Jersey proud. We wish you and your family the best.