Franken Takes Seat in Senate and on HELP Committee

Al Franken (D-MN) was installed as Minnesota’s junior Senator. With Franken’s swearing-in, the Democratic caucus would now have a filibuster-proof, 60-vote majority, if Senators Kennedy (D-MA) and Byrd (D-WV) were not absent for health reasons. Franken will serve on the HELP committee, relieving Senator Whitehouse (D-RI) of his temporary duty on that committee. Franken will also serve on the Aging, Indian Affairs, and Judiciary committees.