Leahy now third in line to presidency

WASHINGTON (WCAX) - President Biden and Vice President Harris weren’t the only ones being sworn in Wednesday. Vermont’s senior senator, Patrick Leahy, was sworn in as president pro tem of the U.S. Senate.

Among other ceremonial duties, the president pro tem is third in the line of succession to the presidency. Leahy, who took office in 1975, is now the senator with the most seniority of either party. As the pro tem, Leahy and U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House, have to sign all legislation passed by the Congress before any bill can be sent to the President’s desk for signing.

This is Leahy’s second term in that position. He previously served from December 2012 to January 2015.

Sen. Leahy and his wife Marcelle wore Vermont-made masks while in Washington on Wednesday. Beau Ties, a tie making company in Middlebury, posted on social media that they were honored to have the two wear their masks during the inauguration.

The company says Leahy is wearing the ‘Night Garden’ mask design and Marcelle is wearing the ‘Wildfield’.

Our Scott Fleishman introduced us to this “Made in Vermont” company back in March.

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