Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) was sworn in as the Senate pro tempore Tuesday morning, making her the first woman in the position and putting her third in line for president of the United States.  Murray said she was "truly honored" of the position in a statement Tuesday after she was sworn in. The pro tempore is third in line for the presidency, behind the vice president and House speaker. "It's a responsibility I am deeply honored to take on for my country and for Washington state," Murray said in a statement. "And I hope that when young women watch footage of the first female Vice President — my friend, Kamala Harris — swearing me in today, they don't question for a moment whether their voices matter, or if they belong in Congress. Because we need even more women to serve at every level of government. "I care deeply about the work we do here in Congress and how that work can help the friends and neighbors I grew up with and the constituents I represent. I look forward to serving our country as President Pro Tem." As president pro tempore, Murray would preside over the Senate in the absence of the vice president. Additionally, the pro tempore has several other responsibilities, including appointing the director of the Congressional Budget Office, as well as the Senate legislative and legal counsel. President pro tempore also makes appointments to national commissions and advisory boards. READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/senator-patty-murray-senate-pro-tempore/281-63b03ad2-86a2-47d0-aad2-12ca8638114f