George Helmy Sworn in as New Jersey Senator

George Helmy has been sworn in as New Jersey's newest senator, filling the vacancy left by Bob Menendez's resignation after a bribery conviction. Appointed by Governor Phil Murphy, Helmy is notable for being the only Arab-American senator in the current Congress and the first member of the Coptic Orthodox Church to serve in the Senate. Helmy, who previously served as Murphy's chief of staff and worked for Sen. Cory Booker, will serve until the results of the upcoming general election are certified in November. During his brief tenure, he will participate in key votes and serve on committees including Foreign Relations, Finance, and Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. His appointment follows Menendez's downfall due to a federal corruption case, which he continues to contest. Helmy's role is expected to be significant in upcoming legislative decisions, particularly regarding government funding.