Vice President Kamala Harris has called for the Senate to come to order as the 119th Congress opens on Friday. The chamber was filled with former senators, current senators, and soon-to-be senators, creating a bustling atmosphere.
Among the notable figures present were former Majority Leader Trent Lott, and former Sens. Rob Portman, Dean Heller, and Bob Corker. The camaraderie among the senators was evident as Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer warmly greeted incoming Senate Republican Leader John Thune just before Chaplain Barry Black led the Senate in prayer. It was a poignant moment as Black returned to the Senate for the first time since his recent health scare with a brain bleed.
Before the official proceedings began, senators engaged in friendly conversations and caught up with both current and former colleagues. The interactions were cordial, with former-Sen. Tom Carper introducing Sen. Mitch McConnell to Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester. McConnell extended a warm handshake to Rochester, expressing his hope that she would come to appreciate the Senate.
Thune and McConnell were seen deep in conversation on the Senate floor, discussing matters of mutual interest. The exchange highlighted the bipartisan nature of the Senate, where members from different parties engage in dialogue and collaboration for the betterment of the country.
The opening of the 119th Congress marked a significant moment in the political landscape, with senators from various backgrounds coming together to uphold the democratic values of the nation. As the Senate convened under the leadership of Vice President Harris, the spirit of unity and cooperation was palpable, setting a positive tone for the legislative session ahead.
