Arizona’s two new U.S. Senators chose different books on which to take their oath of office on Jan. 3.
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat, avoided a religious book and instead chose to take her ceremonial oath of office using a copy of the Constitution.
Sinema’s move was not illegal but unusual, as nearly all incoming lawmakers take their oath on the Bible. Other religious books have been increasing in use in recent years.
Vice President Mike Pence ended Sinema’s oath with the usual words, “so help you God?” Sinema responded, “I do.”
Sinema is the only Congressman or woman to identify as religiously unaffiliated, although 18 others, all Democrats, said they either didn’t know or refused to answer. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) said in 2017 that he identifies as a humanist and questioned whether God exists.
A spokesman for Sinema declined to address her religious views but said that Sinema used a book from the Library of Congress that contains the texts of both the U.S. and Arizona constitutions.
She noted the Bible’s origins to Vice President Pence. “Pretty amazing,” McSally said. “How special is that?” Pence responded.
In a statement, her office said that the Bible was loaned to her for the occasion by the Special Collections department of the University of Arizona library.
Gov. Doug Ducey announced the appointment of McSally on Dec. 18.
“She served 26 years in the military; deployed six times to the Middle East and Afghanistan; was the first woman to fly in combat and command a fighter squadron in combat; and she’s represented Southern Arizona in Congress for the past four years. With her experience and long record of service, Martha is uniquely qualified to step up and fight for Arizona’s interests in the U.S. Senate.”
McSally in a statement said that she was thankful for the appointment.
“I am humbled and grateful to have this opportunity to serve and be a voice for all Arizonans. I look forward to working with Senator-Elect Kyrsten Sinema and getting to work from day one,” she said.
He noted that whoever was appointed to the seat would have the opportunity to enter Washington along with the lawmakers elected in the midterms, making the transition smoother.