A resolution relating to the death of the Honorable David Lyle Boren, former Senator for the State of Oklahoma.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 115
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-05: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1576; text: CR S1584-1585)
- Last Updated
- 2025-05-15T18:31:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 115) expresses the Senate's sorrow and respect following the death of David Lyle Boren, a former U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, and honors his extensive public service and contributions.
Key Provisions
- Biographical Recognition: The resolution outlines Boren's life achievements, including:
- His birth in 1941, education at Yale University (bachelor's, 1963), Oxford University (master's, 1965 as a Rhodes Scholar), and University of Oklahoma College of Law (1968).
- Early career: Service in the Oklahoma House of Representatives (1967–1974), as a captain in the Oklahoma National Guard (1968–1974), and as Chair of Social Sciences at Oklahoma Baptist University.
- Governorship: Elected as Oklahoma's youngest governor in 1974 at age 33, serving one term.
- Senate Service (1979–1994): Membership on committees such as Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Finance; Joint Committee on Taxation; Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress (co-chair, 1993–1994); Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (chair, 1987–1992); Small Business and Entrepreneurship (1983–1990); and Senate Select Committee on Secret Military Assistance to Iran and Nicaraguan Opposition (1987–1988).
- Post-Senate Role: President of the University of Oklahoma (1994–2018), where he led reforms like establishing the Honors College, expanding study abroad programs, campus beautification, and athletics support.
- Historic Milestone: First Oklahoman to serve as state legislator, governor, U.S. Senator, and University of Oklahoma president.
- Formal Actions:
- The Senate acknowledges Boren's death on February 20, 2025, at age 83.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House of Representatives and send an enrolled copy to Boren's family (wife Molly and children Dan and Carrie).
- Provides for the Senate to adjourn in respect on the resolution's adoption date.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding commemorative resolution with no legal effect or amendments to statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal; it prompts a brief procedural pause in Senate proceedings (adjournment) as a gesture of respect, with no operational changes.
- On Citizens: Symbolic honor that may foster public appreciation for civic service, particularly in Oklahoma, where Boren's legacy in state and national roles could inspire future leaders.
- On International Relations: None directly, though it references his intelligence committee chairmanship, which involved national security matters.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Boren's Family: Receives official recognition and condolences, providing formal acknowledgment of his legacy.
- U.S. Senate and Congress: Engages in a collective tribute, promoting institutional respect for former members.
- Oklahoma Residents and Institutions: Highlights Boren's contributions to state governance, education (University of Oklahoma), and public service, potentially strengthening community pride.
- Former Colleagues and Political Figures: Senators Lankford and Mullin (sponsors) and others who served with him, reinforcing bipartisan values.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No implications; as a simple resolution, it requires only a Senate majority and does not involve the President or constitutional amendments.
- Political: Demonstrates congressional tradition of honoring deceased members through resolutions, underscoring bipartisanship (sponsored by Oklahoma's current senators from different parties) and the value placed on long-term public service in American democracy. It may subtly influence perceptions of political legacy without altering policy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-05: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1576; text: CR S1584-1585)
- 2025-03-05: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-03-05: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Relating to the death of the Honorable David Lyle Boren, former Senator for the State of Oklahoma. — issued 2025-03-05 — PDF (4 pages)