August 3, 2001
Source: The Boston Globe
On August 3, 2001, The Boston Globe reported that Republican Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama "scolded Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy, Democrat of Vermont, for leaving out 'so help me God' when swearing in nominees and others who testify in front of his panel." The Constitution does not require an oath invoking God's name. "Sessions said that traditionally the reference to God has been included and he is considering an effort to make the language part of Senate rules."