Last month, Sen. George Helmy (D-NJ) gaveled the Senate to order. The clerk then read a communication from Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray (D-WA) declaring Helmy authorized to perform the duties of the chairman. Thereafter, the Garden State senator announced to the handful of chamber staff who were the only other occupants of the Senate that the body stood in recess until next week. He tapped the gavel and then exited the chamber less than a minute after the whole process began… (Read more)