Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the lying in state of the remains of Army Major Jeffrey R. O'Brien, Captain Cody A. Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, Sergeant First Class Noah L. Tietjens, Sergeant First Class Nicole M. Amor, Sergeant Declan J. Coady, and Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington.
- Bill Number
- H.Con.Res. 77
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-12: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-16T15:58:00Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 77) honors seven U.S. Army service members who died in the line of duty during Operation Epic Fury by authorizing a ceremonial event where their remains will lie in state—a traditional public tribute—in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.
Key Provisions
- Authorization for Ceremony: Permits the remains of Army Major Jeffrey R. O'Brien, Captain Cody A. Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, Sergeant First Class Noah L. Tietjens, Sergeant First Class Nicole M. Amor, Sergeant Declan J. Coady, and Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington to lie in state in the Capitol rotunda.
- Date and Coordination: The event will occur on a date determined by the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
- Logistical Responsibilities: The Architect of the Capitol must take all necessary steps to prepare and execute the ceremony, under the direction of the Senate President pro tempore and House Speaker.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. As a concurrent resolution, it is a ceremonial measure passed by both the House and Senate to express congressional intent, rather than creating enforceable law.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Temporarily affects Capitol operations, requiring coordination among congressional leaders and the Architect of the Capitol for security, setup, and public access during the event.
- On Citizens: Provides an opportunity for the public to pay respects, fostering national mourning and appreciation for military service; it has no direct financial or regulatory effects on individuals.
- On International Relations: Minimal impact, though it underscores U.S. commitment to honoring military personnel involved in operations that may have international dimensions (e.g., Operation Epic Fury).
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Families and Estates of the Deceased: Receive formal national recognition for their loved ones' service.
- U.S. Congress: House and Senate leaders (Speaker and President pro tempore) oversee the event, with the resolution introduced by Representatives Mast, Bacon, and Donalds.
- Capitol Staff and Architect of the Capitol: Responsible for practical implementation, including logistics and maintenance.
- The Public and Military Community: Benefit from the symbolic tribute, promoting unity and remembrance.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a non-binding resolution requiring no presidential approval, relying on congressional authority over Capitol facilities (as outlined in the U.S. Constitution's assignment of Capitol management to Congress).
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's implied powers to conduct ceremonial honors in federal spaces, with no conflicts to separation of powers or other constitutional principles.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan congressional support for military valor, potentially boosting morale among service members; it carries symbolic weight in recognizing sacrifices during specific operations but does not influence broader policy debates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-12: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 2026-03-12: Submitted in House
- 2026-03-12: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the lying in state of the remains of Army Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien, Captain Cody A. Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, Sergeant First Class Noah L. Tietjens, Sergeant First Class Nicole M. Amor, Sergeant Declan J. Coady, and Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington. — issued 2026-03-12 — PDF (2 pages)