The Gavel
The Gavel of the U.S. Senate
Given to the Senate by the Vice President of India on November 17, 1954 in order to, he hoped, inspire Senators to debate "with freedom from passion and prejudice." The original gavel, dating back to the first Senate, is kept in a mahogany box alongside the new gavel.
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The Gavel of the U.S. Senate
Given to the Senate by the Vice President of India on November 17, 1954 in order to, he hoped, inspire Senators to debate "with freedom from passion and prejudice." The original gavel, dating back to the first Senate, is kept in a mahogany box alongside the new gavel.
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The fifth day of January of the year two thousand twenty three being the day prescribed for the meeting of the 118th Congress, the Senate assembled in its Chamber at the Capitol and at 12 noon was called to order by the Vice President [Mr. Pooty].
The Senate Chaplain offered the prayer for new beginnings:
O God, we thank you for this earth, our home; for the wide sky and the blessed sun, for the ocean and streams, for the towering hills and the whispering wind, for the trees and green grass. We thank you for our senses by which we hear the songs of birds, and see the splendor of fields of golden wheat, and taste autumn's fruit, rejoice in the feel of snow, and smell the breath of spring flowers. Grant us a heart opened wide to all this beauty; and save us from being so blind that we pass unseeing when even the common thorn bush is aflame with your glory. For each new dawn is filled with infinite possibilities for new beginnings and new discoveries. Life is constantly changing and renewing itself. In this new day of new beginnings with God, all things are possible. We are restored and renewed in a joyous awakening to the wonder that our lives are and, yet, can be. Amen.
The Vice President led the Senate in the pledge of allegiance.
Certificates of election and credentials were presented to the clerk and enrolled
The VICE PRESIDENT: If the Senators to be sworn in will now present themselves to the desk in groups of four as their names are called in alphabetical order, the Chair will administer their oath of office. The clerk will read the names of the first group.
The legislative clerk called the names of Senators in groups of four. Senators Gerard, Jackson, Khula and McLaggen were escorted to the desk by Senators Calhoon, Foster, Wells and Everhardt, respectively, to take the Oath of Office and subscribe to the oath in the Official Oath Book... applause... Senators Reiber, Waters and Wells were escorted to the desk by Senators MacLeod, Justice and Khula, respectively, to take the Oath of Office and subscribe to the oath in the Official Oath Book... applause...
The VICE PRESIDENT: The Majority Leader is recognized.
Mr. FOSTER: Mr. President, I suggest the absense of quorum.
The VICE PRESIDENT: The absence of a quorum having been suggested, the clerk will call the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
The VICE PRESIDENT: A quorum is present. The President and House of Representatives shall be informed that a quorum of the Senate is assembled. The Majority Leader is recognized.
Mr. FOSTER: Mr. President, I send a resolution to the desk.
The VICE PRESIDENT: The clerk will report the resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
QUOTE
A resolution to elect Patricia Sorenson, a Senator from the Region of the Gulf Coast, to be President pro tempore of the Senate of the United States.
The VICE PRESIDENT: Without objection, the resolution is considered and agreed to, and the motion to reconsider shall be laid upon the table. Senator Sorenson will be escorted to the desk.
Senator Sorenson, escorted by Mr. Foster and Mr. Santos-Carter, respectively, advanced to the desk of the Vice President, and she subscribed to the oath in the Official Oath Book.
The VICE PRESIDENT: Congratulations.
The Vice President yields the gavel to the President pro tempore, and leaves the chamber.
OOC: Gosh. Every time I thought I'd have the time to do this since Monday something has come up.