On the recordSeptember 19, 2024
I want to take a moment. We just heard a speech that is special, not just because it is a maiden speech but because of the man who gave it. George Helmy is 1 of 2,004 Americans in the history of our country--hundreds of millions of people--who has ever been a U.S. Senator. I will tell you, he is different. He said it in his biography. He is the first-ever person of the Coptic faith to be here. That is a phenomenal accomplishment in and of itself to the growing diversity of a body known for its lack of diversity. But I will say what makes him truly special is that he has been a man behind the scenes that, for the Governor, Senators, and others, has made our State already such a better place. I have watched him do the work that others often take credit for, that has made him in my heart and through the millions of New Jerseyans he has touched--has already made him one of New Jersey's extraordinary public servants. I will note that he--in his time in the Senate--has staffers, as he pointed out, and many of them have taken an unusual assignment: to leave their jobs that they had to come take a temporary assignment to serve this country. For that, they have my tribute. If I can end by just saying one more thing that makes him special. He is throwing himself into this job as if every single day is precious. I dare say, there is not a Senator in this body who is taking each day like he is and trying to make it as meaningful as possible.…
