A concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the lying in state of the remains of the late James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not specify that the Architect of the Capitol is directed to arrange all necessary steps, only that they are authorized and directed to transfer the catafalque.

Honoring Jimmy Carter with Lying in State

This resolution allows the rotunda of the Capitol to be used for the lying in state of former U.S. President James Earl Carter Jr., from January 7, 2025, until January 9, 2025.

What This Bill Does

• Authorizes the use of the Capitol's rotunda for the lying in state of James Earl Carter Jr., who was the 39th U.S. President.
• Specifies that this honor will take place from January 7 to January 9, 2025.

Who It Names or Affects

• The family of Jimmy Carter Jr., as they will be able to honor their loved one in this way.
• Visitors to Washington D.C. who wish to pay respects to President Carter during his lying in state.

Terms To Know

Lying in State

A formal ceremony where a deceased person of national importance is honored by being placed on view for public viewing, usually in the Capitol Rotunda.

Catafalque

A raised platform or bier used to hold the casket during lying in state ceremonies.

Limits and Unknowns

• The resolution only covers a specific period and does not address any other honors for President Carter.
• It is unclear how many people will visit the Capitol Rotunda during this time.

Official Summary Text

This concurrent resolution authorizes the Capitol rotunda to be used for the lying in state of the remains of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. The lying in state shall take place from January 7, 2025, until January 9, 2025.

Current Bill Text

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 3 Engrossed in Senate (ES)]

<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. CON. RES. 3

_______________________________________________________________________

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring),

SECTION 1. HONORING JAMES EARL CARTER, JR.

(a) Lying in State in Rotunda.--In recognition of the long and
distinguished service rendered to the Nation and to the world by the
late James Earl Carter, Jr., the 39th President of the United States,
his remains shall be permitted to lie in state in the rotunda of the
Capitol from January 7, 2025 until January 9, 2025. The Architect of
the Capitol, under the direction of the Majority Leader of the Senate
and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall take all
necessary steps for the accomplishment of that purpose.
(b) Use of Catafalque.--The Architect of the Capitol is authorized
and directed to transfer the catafalque which is situated in the
Exhibition Hall of the Capitol Visitor Center to the rotunda of the
Capitol so that such catafalque may be used in connection with services
to be conducted there for the late James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th
President of the United States.

Passed the Senate January 3, 2025.

Attest:

Secretary.
119th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. CON. RES. 3

_______________________________________________________________________

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the lying in
state of the remains of the late James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President
of the United States.