Patty Murray could become first female president pro tempore

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Patty Murray has been elected to a sixth term as U.S. Senator and she could soon be third in line to the presidency.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says he will nominate Murray to become president pro tempore.

The primary function of the office is to preside over the Senate when the Vice President is unavailable.

The president pro tempore makes appointments to various boards and commissions, and with the House Speaker appoints the director of the Congressional Budget Office.

If she is elected to the office, Murray would be the first-ever female president pro tempore.