[Deschler-Brown Precedents, Volume 17, Chapters 34 - 40]
[Ch. 38. Death]
[§ 6. Resolutions of Sympathy]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
[Page 623-641]
CHAPTER 38
Death
Sec. 6. Resolutions of Sympathy
It is the practice of the House to adopt resolutions expressing
sympathy and sorrow upon learning of the death of a Member of Congress
or other public figure. By custom, a resolution of sympathy on the
death of a Member has been treated as privileged and debated under the
hour rule. A copy of the resolution adopted upon the death of a Member
will be transmitted to the other House and one to the family of the
deceased. Sometimes, authorization for a committee to make arrangements
for a funeral will be included in the resolution.
A sampling of resolutions of sympathy for noted Americans include
those offered for a deceased President,(1) for a deceased
Chief
[[Page 624]]
Justice,(2) for an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on
his death,(3) for a deceased Secretary of
Labor,(4) on the death of a Speaker(5) or former
Speaker,(6) for a former Vice President,(7) on
the death of a Secretary of the Navy,(8) and of a House
employee.(9) The death of a minority employee(10)
and various House officers(11) have been similarly noted.
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1. See Sec. Sec. 6.1-6.3, infra.
2. See Sec. 6.6, infra.
3. See Sec. Sec. 6.7, 6.8, infra.
4. See Sec. 6.22, infra.
5. See Sec. Sec. 6.10-6.12, infra.
6. See Sec. Sec. 6.9, 6.13, 6.14, infra.
7. See Sec. Sec. 6.5, 6.13, infra.
8. See Sec. 6.23, infra.
9. See Sec. Sec. 6.19-6.21, infra.
10. See Sec. 6.21, infra.
11. See Sec. Sec. 6.19-6.21, infra.
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The Member who has announced the death of a colleague will usually,
although not invariably, be the person who offers the resolution of
sympathy.(12)
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12. See Sec. 5, supra, and Sec. 10,
infra. -------------------
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Death of President or Former President
Sec. 6.1 A resolution was adopted by the House on the death of
President John F. Kennedy.
On Nov. 25, 1963,(1) Mr. Abraham J. Multer, of New York,
offered House Resolution 571. The Clerk read the resolution, as
follows:
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1. 109 Cong. Rec. 22695, 22696, 88th Cong. 1st Sess.
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Resolved, That the House of Representatives has learned with
profound regret and sorrow of the tragic death of the late
President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy,
illustrious statesman and leader in the Nation and in the world.
Resolved, That as a token of honor and in recognition of his
eminent and distinguished public services to the Nation and to the
world the Speaker of the House shall appoint a committee of one
hundred Members of the House to join a similar committee appointed
on the part of the Senate to attend the funeral services of the
late President.
Resolved, That the House tenders its deep sympathy to the
members of the family of the late President in their sad
bereavement.
Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be authorized
and directed to take such steps as may be necessary for carrying
out the provisions of these resolutions and that the necessary
expenses in connection therewith be paid out of the contingent fund
of the House.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the
Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the late
President.
The SPEAKER pro tempore.(2) Without objection, the
several resolving clauses are agreed to.
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2. James C. Wright, Jr. (TX).
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There was no objection.
Parliamentarian's Note: The House was not in session on Nov.
[[Page 625]]
22, 1963, the date of President Kennedy's assassination.
Sec. 6.2 A resolution of sympathy was adopted by the House on the death
of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
On Apr. 14, 1945,(1) the following resolution was
offered and agreed to:
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1. 91 Cong. Rec. 3356, 79th Cong. 1st Sess.
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Mr. [John W.] McCORMACK [of Massachusetts]. Mr. Speaker, I
offer a resolution (H. Res. 216) and ask for its immediate
consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
Resolved, That the House of Representatives has learned
with profound regret and sorrow of the death of the late
President of the United States, Hon. Franklin Delano Roosevelt,
illustrious statesman and leader in the Nation and in the
world.
Resolved, That as a token of honor and in recognition of
his eminent and distinguished public services to the Nation and
to the world the Speaker of the House shall appoint a committee
of 15 Members of the House to join a similar committee
appointed on the part of the Senate to attend the funeral
services of the late President.
Resolved, That the House tenders its deep sympathy to the
members of the family of the late President in their sad
bereavement.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the
late President.
The resolution was agreed to.
Sec. 6.3 A resolution of sympathy was adopted by the House on the death
of former President Ronald Wilson Reagan.
On June 8, 2004,(1) Tom DeLay of Texas, the Majority
Leader, offered the following privileged resolution.
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1. 150 Cong. Rec. 11752, 11754, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
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Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution (H.
Res. 663) and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 663
Resolved, That the House of Representatives has learned
with profound regret and sorrow of the death of Ronald Wilson
Reagan, former President of the United States of America.
Resolved, That the House tenders its deep sympathy to the
members of the family of the former President in their
bereavement.
Resolved, That in recognition of the many virtues, public
and private, of one who served with distinction as President,
the Speaker shall appoint a committee of the House to join with
such Members of the Senate as may be designated, to attend the
funeral services of the former President.
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House be
authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary
for carrying out the provisions of these resolutions, and that
the necessary expenses in connection therewith be paid out of
the applicable accounts of the House.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy of the same to the family of the
former President.
[[Page 626]]
Resolved, That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn as
a further mark of respect to the memory of the former
President. . . .
The SPEAKER pro tempore.(2) The question is on the
resolution. . . .
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2. Ray LaHood (IL).
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So the resolution was agreed.
Sec. 6.4 A resolution of sympathy was adopted by the House on the death
of former President Richard M. Nixon.
On Apr. 25, 1994,(1) Robert H. Michel, of Illinois, the
Minority Leader, offered the following privileged
resolution:(2)
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1. 140 Cong. Rec. 8451, 8452, 103d Cong. 2d Sess.
2. See also resolutions of sympathy for former President Lyndon Baines
Johnson at 119 Cong. Rec. 1839, 93d Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 23,
1973 (H. Res. 152); for former President Harry S Truman at 119
Cong. Rec. 31, 93d Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 3, 1973 (H. Res. 14);
and for former President Dwight David Eisenhower at 115 Cong.
Rec. 8127, 8128, 91st Cong. 1st Sess., Mar. 31, 1969 (H. Res.
351).
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Mr. MICHEL. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution (H.
Res. 411) and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 411
Resolved, That the House of Representatives has learned
with profound regret and sorrow of the death of Richard Milhous
Nixon, former President of the United States of America.
Resolved, That in recognition of the many virtues, public
and private, of one who served with distinction as
Representative, Senator, Vice President, and President, the
Speaker shall appoint committees of the House to join with such
Members of the Senate as may be designated, to attend the
funeral services of the former President.
Resolved, That the House tenders its deep sympathy to the
members of the family of the former President in their sad
bereavement.
Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be
authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary
for carrying out of the provisions of these resolutions, and
that the necessary expenses in connection therewith be paid out
the contingent fund of the House.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy of the same to the family of the
former President.
Resolved, That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn as
a further mark of respect to the memory of the former
President.
Former Vice President
Sec. 6.5 A resolution was adopted by the House upon the death of a
former Vice President.
On Jan. 29, 1979,(1) Samuel S. Stratton, of New York,
dean of the delegation, offered the following resolution upon the death
of former Vice President Nelson A. Rockefeller:
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1. 125 Cong. Rec. 1354, 1355, 96th Cong. 1st Sess.
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Mr. STRATTON. Mr. Speaker, as dean of the New York delegation
and
[[Page 627]]
on behalf of the majority leader of the House and of the minority
leader of the House, I offer a resolution (H. Res. 74) on the death
of the Honorable Nelson A. Rockefeller.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 74
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of the Honorable Nelson A. Rockefeller, former Vice
President of the United States.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the
deceased.
Resolved, That a committee of such Members of the House as
the Speaker may designate, together with such Members of the
Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the memorial
service.
Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be
authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary
for carrying out the provisions of these resolutions and the
necessary expenses in connection therewith be paid out of the
contingent fund of the House.
Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory
of the deceased the House do now adjourn. . . .
Mr. STRATTON. . . .
Mr. Speaker, I move the previous question on the adoption of
the resolution.
The previous question was ordered.
The resolution was agreed
to. -------------------
ADJOURNMENT
Accordingly (at 12 o'clock and 32 minutes p.m.), under its
previous order and pursuant to House Resolution 74, the House
adjourned until Wednesday, January 31, 1979, at 3 p.m.
Parliamentarian's Note: This was the first instance of a House
resolution authorizing the appointment of a funeral committee for a
former Vice President.(2)
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2. See also 124 Cong. Rec. 112, 95th Cong. 2d Sess., Jan. 19, 1978 (H.
Res. 951 on the death of sitting Senator and former Vice
President Hubert H. Humphrey [MN]); 102 Cong. Rec. 7322, 84th
Cong. 2d Sess., May 1, 1956 (H. Res. 491, on the death of
sitting Senator, former Vice President, and former Member of
the House, Alben W. Barkley [KY]); and 80 Cong. Rec. 1759, 74th
Cong. 2d Sess., Feb. 10, 1936 (H. Res. 416 on the death of
former Vice President Charles Curtis [KS]).
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Chief Justice
Sec. 6.6 A resolution of sympathy was adopted by the House on the death
of the Chief Justice of the United States.
On Sept. 6, 2005,(1) the House adopted a resolution of
sympathy
[[Page 628]]
in recognition of the death of the Chief Justice of the United States
Supreme Court, William H. Rehnquist:
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1. 151 Cong. Rec. 19568, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
There was no funeral committee appointed for Chief Justice
Rehnquist. His body lie in state in the Great Hall of the
Supreme Court from Sept. 6, 2005, until his funeral on Sept. 7,
2005, conducted at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Matthew
the Apostle in Washington, D.C.
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Mr. [Tom] DeLAY [of Texas]. Madam Speaker, I offer a privileged
resolution (H. Res. 422) and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 422
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of the Honorable William H. Rehnquist; Chief Justice
of the United States.
Resolved, That the House tenders its deep sympathy to the
members of the family of the late Chief Justice in their
bereavement.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and to the Supreme Court and transmit a copy of the
same to the family of the late Chief Justice.
Resolved, That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn as
a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Chief
Justice.
The resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.(2)
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2. See also 100 Cong. Rec. 10-12, 83d Cong. 2d Sess., Jan. 6, 1954 (H.
Res. 397, on the death of Chief Justice of the United States
Fred M. Vinson); and 92 Cong. Rec. 4263, 79th Cong. 2d Sess.,
Apr. 30, 1946 (H. Res. 607, on the death of Chief Justice of
the United States Harlan Fiske Stone).
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Associate Justice
Sec. 6.7 Upon the death of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court,
the House adopted a resolution expressing sorrow, appointed a
committee to attend the funeral, and adjourned as a further mark of
respect.
On July 19, 1949,(1) House Resolution 287 was offered by
Mr. John D. Dingell, of Michigan, who had been recognized to speak
about the late Justice Frank Murphy, formerly of Michigan:
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1. 95 Cong. Rec. 9740, 81st Cong. 1st Sess.
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Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following resolution (H.
Res. 287).
The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of the Honorable Frank Murphy, Associate Justice of
the Supreme Court of the United States.
Resolved, That a committee of four Members of the House be
appointed to attend the funeral and that the necessary expenses
in connection therewith be paid out of the contingent fund of
the House.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and to the Supreme Court and transmit a copy thereof
to the family of the deceased.
The resolution was agreed to.
The SPEAKER.(2) The Chair appoints as members of the
funeral committee the gentleman from Michigan, Mr. Dingell; the
gentleman from Michigan, Mr. Rabaut; the gentleman from Michigan,
Mr. Woodruff; and the gentleman from Michigan, Mr. Shafer.
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2. Sam Rayburn (TX).
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The SPEAKER. The Clerk will report the remainder of the
resolution.
[[Page 629]]
The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the House do
now adjourn. The resolution was agreed to.
adjournment
Accordingly (at 12 o'clock and 36 minutes p. m.) the House,
pursuant to its previous order, adjourned until tomorrow,
Wednesday, July 20, 1949, at 10 o'clock a.m.
Sec. 6.8 A resolution was adopted by the House upon the death of the
Honorable Wiley Rutledge, an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme
Court.
On Sept. 13, 1949,(1) Mr. Harry R. Sheppard, of
California, offered House Resolution 356 and asked for its immediate
consideration. It was read and agreed to, as follows:
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1. 95 Cong. Rec. 12813, 81st Cong. 1st Sess.
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Mr. SHEPPARD. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution (H. Res. 356)
and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of the Honorable Wiley Rutledge, Associate Justice of
the Supreme Court of the United States.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and to the Supreme Court and transmit a copy thereof
to the family of the deceased.
The resolution was agreed to.
Former Speaker of the House
Sec. 6.9 Upon the reconvening of Congress, a resolution expressing
sorrow was adopted for former Speaker Henry T. Rainey, of Illinois.
On Jan. 3, 1935,(1) Mr. Adolph J. Sabath, of Illinois,
offered, and the House agreed to, the following resolution:
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1. 79 Cong. Rec. 38, 74th Cong. 1st Sess.
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Mr. SABATH. Mr. Speaker, within a very few days after the
Seventy-third Congress adjourned the Nation learned with sorrow of
the death of a most beloved citizen of the State of Illinois. He
was a great statesman and the Speaker of the House of
Representatives. I therefore offer a resolution, which I send to
the Clerk's desk and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read as follows:
House Resolution 23
Resolved, That the House has learned with profound
sensibility and sorrow of the death of Henry T. Rainey, Speaker
of the House of Representatives of the Seventy-third Congress.
Resolved, That in the death of the Hon. Henry T. Rainey the
United States has sustained an irreparable loss.
Resolved, That this House, of which he was a distinguished
Member and leader, unite in honoring his sterling character,
the ability, probity, and patriotic motives which illustrated
his public career and the grace and dignity which marked his
intercourse with his fellow citizens.
[[Page 630]]
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the
deceased.
The resolution was agreed to.
recess
Mr. [Edward T.] TAYLOR of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I move that
the House stand in recess until 12 o'clock noon tomorrow.
The motion was agreed to; and accordingly (at 4 o'clock and 32
minutes p. m.), pursuant to the order heretofore made, the House
stood in recess until tomorrow, Friday, January 4, 1935, at 12
o'clock noon.
Parliamentarian's Note: Speaker Rainey died in St. Louis, Missouri,
on Aug. 19, 1934, following the adjournment of the first session of the
73d Congress on June 18, 1934. This is the second instance where a
Speaker died while in office. Speaker Michael C. Kerr, of Indiana, died
on Aug. 19, 1876, after the adjournment of the first session of the
44th Congress.
Speaker of the House
Sec. 6.10 A resolution of sorrow was adopted upon the death of Speaker
Joseph W. Byrns, of Tennessee.
On June 4, 1936,(1) a resolution was adopted upon the
death of Speaker Byrns. The resolution read as follows:
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1. 80 Cong. Rec. 9017, 74th Cong. 2d Sess.
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House Resolution 544
Resolved, That the House has learned with profound
sensibility and sorrow of the death of Hon. Joseph W. Byrns,
Speaker of the House of Representatives for the Seventy-fourth
Congress.
Resolved, That a committee of four Members of the House be
appointed to take order for superintending the funeral of Mr.
Byrns in the House of Representatives at such time as the said
committee shall fix.
Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the remains of
Mr. Byrns be removed from Washington to Nashville, Tenn., in
charge of the Sergeant at Arms, attended by the committee, who
shall have full power to carry these resolutions into effect,
and that the necessary expenses in connection therewith be paid
out of the contingent fund of the House.
Resolved, That a committee of 60 Members of the House, with
such Members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to
attend the funeral at Nashville, Tenn. . . .
Resolved, That as a further mark of respect, this House do
now adjourn to such time on tomorrow, June 5, 1936, as the
Speaker shall fix.
Parliamentarian's Note: Speaker Byrns died suddenly shortly after
midnight on June 4, 1936.(2)
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2. See Sec. 12.1, infra, for the resolution inviting distinguished
guests to the late Speaker's funeral in the Hall of the House.
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Sec. 6.11 A single House resolution, adopted upon the death of Speaker
William B.
[[Page 631]]
Bankhead, of Alabama, expressed sorrow at the loss, provided for
two funeral committees, authorized payment of certain funeral-
related expenses, directed the Clerk to transmit copies of the
resolution to the appropriate parties; and invited the President,
Cabinet, Vice President, Senate, Supreme Court, and other
dignitaries to attend the funeral in the House Chamber. This was a
departure from the usual practice in the past, whereby invitations
would be transmitted in a separate resolution.
On Sept. 16, 1940,(1) after the death of Speaker
Bankhead was announced, House Resolution 603 was offered by Mr. Henry
B. Steagall, of Alabama:
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1. 86 Cong. Rec. 12232, 76th Cong. 3d Sess.
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Resolved, That the House has learned with profound sensibility
and sorrow of the death of Hon. William B. Bankhead, Speaker of the
House of Representatives for the Seventy-sixth Congress.
Resolved, That a committee of four Members of the House be
appointed to take order for superintending the funeral of Mr.
Bankhead in the Chamber of the House of Representatives at 12:30
o'clock p.m. on Monday, September 16, 1940, and that the House of
Representatives attend the same.
Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the remains of Mr.
Bankhead be removed from Washington to Jasper, Ala., in charge of
the Sergeant at Arms, attended by the committee, who shall have
full power to carry these resolutions into effect, and that the
necessary expenses in connection therewith be paid out of the
contingent fund of the House.
Resolved, That a committee of 63 Members of the House, with
such Members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend
the funeral at Jasper, Ala.
Resolved, That the Clerk of the House communicate these
resolutions to the Senate, transmit a copy thereof to the family of
the deceased, and invite the Senate to attend the funeral in the
House Chamber and appoint a committee to act with the committee of
the House.
Resolved, That invitations be extended to the President of the
United States and the members of his Cabinet, the Chief Justice and
Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, the
diplomatic corps (through the Secretary of State), the Chief of
Staff of the Army, the Chief of Naval Operations of the Navy, the
Major General Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Commandant of
the Coast Guard to attend the funeral in the Hall of the House of
Representatives.
The resolution was agreed to.
Sec. 6.12 Upon reconvening, the House adopted a resolution expressing
its sorrow at the loss suffered by the Nation and the House on the
death
[[Page 632]]
of Speaker Sam Rayburn, of Texas.
On Jan. 10, 1962,(1) the first day of the second session
of the 87th Congress, the House adopted resolutions expressing
condolences upon the deaths of two Representatives,(2) a
Senator,(3) and Speaker Rayburn. The resolutions of sympathy
were offered and adopted in the following order: (1) to Members of the
House in order of death (except the Speaker); (2) the Senator; and (3)
the Speaker.
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1. 108 Cong. Rec. 9, 87th Cong. 2d Sess.
2. Louis C. Rabaut (MI) and John J. Riley (SC).
3. Styles Bridges (NH).
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The following proceedings took place:
Mr. [Wright] PATMAN [of Texas]. Mr. Speaker, I offer a
resolution, and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 491
Resolved, That the House has learned with profound
sensibility and sorrow of the death of Sam Rayburn, Speaker of
the House of Representatives of the Seventy-sixth through the
Seventy-ninth, Eighty-first and Eighty-second, and Eighty-
fourth through the first session of the Eighty-seventh
Congress, having served as Speaker more than twice as long as
any Speaker in the history of the Congress.
Resolved, That in the death of the Honorable Sam Rayburn
the United States has sustained an irreparable loss.
Resolved, That this House, of which he was a distinguished
Member and leader, unite in honoring his sterling character,
the ability, probity, and patriotic motives which illustrated
his public career, and the grace and dignity which marked his
intercourse with his fellow citizens.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the
deceased.
The resolution was agreed
to. -------------------
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. [Carl] ALBERT [of Oklahoma]. Mr. Speaker, as a further mark
of respect to the memory of the deceased, I move that the House do
now adjourn.
The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 1 o'clock and 40
minutes p.m.) the House adjourned until tomorrow, January 11, 1962,
at 12 o'clock noon.
Sec. 6.13 A resolution was adopted by the House on the death of John
Nance Garner, of Texas, who served as Speaker of the House during
the 72d Congress and as Vice President during the first two
Presidential terms of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
On Nov. 7, 1967,(1) after the death of former Speaker of
the House and former Vice President
[[Page 633]]
Garner was announced, a resolution was offered and agreed to as
follows:
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1. 113 Cong. Rec. 31499, 90th Cong. 1st Sess.
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Mr. [Wright] PATMAN [of Texas]. Mr. Speaker, I offer a
resolution.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 969
Resolved, That the House has learned with profound sorrow
of the death of the Honorable John Nance Garner, formerly
Speaker of the House of Representatives and Vice President of
the United States.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the
deceased.
Resolved, That as a further marks of respect the House do
now adjourn.
The resolution was agreed to.
The Senate adopted a similar resolution at the close of its
business for the day.(2)
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2. Id. at p. 31605 (S. Res. 183).
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Sec. 6.14 A resolution adopted by the House on the death of former
Speaker Martin provided for adjournment out of respect but did not
provide for appointment of a funeral delegation.
On Mar. 7, 1968,(1) following tributes to the late
Joseph W. Martin, Jr., of Massachusetts, former Speaker of the House of
Representatives, the following resolution was offered:
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1. 114 Cong. Rec. 5742, 90th Cong. 2d Sess.
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Mr. [William H.] BATES [of Massachusetts]. Mr. Speaker, I offer
a resolution.
The Clerk read the resolutions as follows:
H. Res. 1087
Resolved, That the House has learned with profound sorrow
of the death of the Honorable Joseph W. Martin, Jr., former
Member of the House for twenty-one consecutive terms, and
Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Eightieth and
Eighty-third Congresses.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the
deceased.
The resolutions were agreed to.
The SPEAKER.(2) The Clerk will report the remaining
resolution.
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2. John W. McCormack (MA).
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The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the House do
now adjourn.
The resolution was agreed to.
Member of the House
Sec. 6.15 The announcement of the death of a sitting Member was made by
the senior member of the party of the deceased in his State
delegation in the House, while the resolution adjourning the House
out of respect was offered by the senior member of that entire
State delegation at the request of the
[[Page 634]]
Member who had announced the death.
On Feb. 2, 1970,(1) after the House had conducted its
scheduled business, Chet Holifield, senior Democratic member of the
California delegation, offered House Resolution 811 at the request of
H. Allen Smith, senior Republican member of the California delegation,
who departed the Chamber immediately following his announcement to be
with the family of the late Glenard P. Lipscomb. The proceedings were
as follows:
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1. 116 Cong. Rec. 2065, 2066, 91st Cong. 2d Sess.
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Mr. HOLIFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 811
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of the Honorable Glenard P. Lipscomb, a
Representative from the State of California.
Resolved, That a committee of 50 Members of the House, with
such Members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to
attend the funeral.
Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be
authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary
for carrying out the provisions of these resolutions and that
the necessary expenses in connection therewith be paid out of
the contingent fund of the House.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the
deceased.
The resolutions were agreed to. . . .
The SPEAKER.(2) . . .
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2. John W. McCormack (MA).
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The Clerk will report the remaining resolution.
The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the House do
now adjourn.
The resolution was agreed
to. -------------------
ADJOURNMENT
Accordingly (at 1 o'clock and 26 minutes p.m.), the House
adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, 1970, at 12 o'clock
noon.
Sec. 6.16 At the conclusion of a special-order speech eulogizing a
Member whose death had been announced earlier that day in the
House, a resolution of sympathy was agreed to and immediately upon
passage thereof, the House, pursuant to the final provision of the
resolution, adjourned as a sign of respect for the deceased Member.
On Aug. 23, 1965,(1) following eulogies to the late Mr.
Clarence J. Brown, of Ohio, and just prior to adjournment out of
respect,
[[Page 635]]
Mrs. Frances P. Bolton, of Ohio, offered the following resolution:
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1. 111 Cong. Rec. 21264, 89th Cong. 1st Sess.
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The Clerk read the resolution as follows:
H. Res. 539
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of the Honorable Clarence J. Brown, a Representative
from the State of Ohio.
Resolved, That a committee of sixty Members of the House,
with such Members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed
to attend the funeral.
Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be
authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary
for carrying out the provisions of these resolutions and that
the necessary expenses in connection therewith be paid out of
the contingent fund of the House.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the
deceased.
The resolution was agreed to.
The SPEAKER.(2) The Chair desires to state that the
Chair will announce tomorrow the names of members of the funeral
committee on the part of the House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. John W. McCormack (MA).
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The Clerk will report the remainder of the resolution.
The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the House do
now adjourn.
The resolution was agreed
to. -------------------
ADJOURNMENT
Accordingly (at 1 o'clock and 35 minutes p.m.), the House
adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, August 24, 1965, at 12 o'clock
noon.
Member-elect
Sec. 6.17 A resolution of sympathy was adopted by the House upon the
death of Member-elect(1) Robert T. Matsui.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. For other House responses to deaths of Member-elects, see
Sec. 2.12, supra, and Sec. 8.13, infra. See also 125 Cong. Rec.
20, 96th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 15, 1979 (H. Res. 11, announcing
the death of Member-elect Leo J. Ryan [CA] and H. Res. 12,
announcing the death of Member-elect William Steiger [WI]); and
135 Cong. Rec. 85, 86, 101st Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 3, 1989
(announcing the death of Member-elect Bill Nichols [AL]).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Jan. 4, 2005,(2) the following resolution was offered
and agreed to by voice vote:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. 151 Cong. Rec. 84, 106, 107, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. [Forney Pete] STARK [of California]. Mr. Speaker, I offer a
privileged resolution (H. Res. 11) and ask for its immediate
consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 11
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of the Honorable Robert T. Matsui, a Representative
from the State of California.
Resolved, That a committee of such Members of the House as
the Speaker may designate, together
[[Page 636]]
with such Members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed
to attend the funeral.
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House be
authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary
for carrying out the provisions of these resolutions and that
the necessary expenses in connection therewith be paid out of
applicable accounts of the House.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the
deceased.
Resolved, That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn as
a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased.
The SPEAKER pro tempore.(3) The gentleman from
California (Mr. Stark) is recognized for 1 hour.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Rick Renzi (AZ).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 minutes to the gentleman
from California (Mr. Dreier), pending which I yield myself such
time as I may consume. . .
. -------------------
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House
Resolution 11, I move that the House do now adjourn in memory of
the late Honorable Robert T. Matsui.
The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 9 o'clock and 25
minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until
Thursday, January 6, 2005, at 11 a.m., in memory of the late
Honorable Robert T. Matsui of California.
Senator
Sec. 6.18 A resolution of sympathy was adopted by the House upon the
death of Senate Majority Leader Everett McKinley Dirksen.
On Sept. 8, 1969,(1) Mr. Leslie C. Arends, of Illinois,
offered House Resolution 532,(2) which the Clerk read as
follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 115 Cong. Rec. 24695, 91st Cong. 1st Sess.
2. A message from the Senate informed the House the Senate passed S.
Res. 253 upon the death of Senator Dirksen (IL). See Id. at p.
24634.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. ARENDS. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution.
The Clerk read the resolution as follows:
H. Res. 532
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of the Honorable Everett McKinley Dirksen, a Senator
of the United States from the State of Illinois.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the
deceased Senator.
Resolved, That a committee of thirty-two Members be
appointed on the part of the House to join the committee
appointed on the part of the Senate to attend the funeral.
The resolutions were agreed.
The SPEAKER.(3) The Chair appoints as members of the
funeral committee the following Members on the part of the House: .
. .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. John W. McCormack (MA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 637]]
The Clerk will report the remaining resolution.
The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory
of the deceased, the House do now adjourn.
The resolution was agreed
to. -------------------
ADJOURNMENT
Accordingly (at 5 o'clock and 27 minutes p.m.), under its
previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, September 9,
1969, at 11:45 o'clock a.m.
House Doorkeeper
Sec. 6.19 When the Doorkeeper of the House died, a resolution of
sympathy was adopted by the House.
On Jan. 28, 1943,(1) following remarks commending the
career and personality of the late Honorable Joseph J. Sinnott,
Doorkeeper of the House of Representatives for 23 years, a resolution
of condolence was read and agreed to as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 89 Cong. Rec. 422, 78th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. [Dave E.] SATTERFIELD, [Jr., of Virginia]. Mr. Speaker, I
offer a resolution.
The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of Hon. Joseph J. Sinnott, Doorkeeper of the House,
and an employee for nearly 55 years.
Resolved, That as a mark of respect to his memory the
Speaker appoint a committee of four Members to attend the
funeral services.
Resolved, That the Clerk transmit a copy of these
resolutions to the family of the deceased.
The resolution was agreed to.
House Chaplain
Sec. 6.20 The death of the Chaplain of the House, Bernard Braskamp, was
announced to the House and a resolution was adopted.
On Feb. 23, 1966,(1) the death of the Chaplain was
announced to the House by the Member representing the Chaplain's place
of birth:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 112 Cong. Rec. 3766, 89th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. [Stanley L.] GREIGG [of Iowa]. Mr. Speaker, I send a
resolution to the desk and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 745
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of the Honorable Bernard Braskamp, D.D., Chaplain of
the House.
Resolved, That as a mark of respect to his memory the
Speaker appoint a committee of seven Members to attend the
funeral services.
Resolved, That the necessary expenses in connection with
the funeral services be paid out of the contingent fund of the
House.
[[Page 638]]
Resolved, That the Clerk transmit a copy of these
resolutions to the family of the deceased.
The resolutions were agreed to. . . .
adjournment
The SPEAKER.(2) The Clerk will report the remainder
of the resolution.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. John W. McCormack (MA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory
of the deceased the House do now adjourn.
The resolution was agreed to.
The SPEAKER. The House stands adjourned in memory of our late
beloved Chaplain.
Accordingly (at 6 o'clock and 21 minutes p.m.) the House
adjourned until tomorrow, February 24, 1966, at 12 o'clock noon.
Former Clerk of the House
Sec. 6.21 The House adopted a resolution on the death of a former Clerk
of the House and appointed a committee to attend his funeral.
On Oct. 20, 1942,(1) the following resolution was
offered:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 88 Cong. Rec. 8486, 77th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. [Joseph W.] MARTIN [Jr., of Massachusetts]. Mr. Speaker, I
offer a resolution (H. Res. 861) and ask for its adoption.
The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of Hon. William Tyler Page, an employee and officer
of the House for nearly 62 years.
Resolved, That as a mark of respect to his memory the
Speaker appoint a committee of four Members to attend the
funeral services.
Resolved, That the Clerk transmit a copy of these
resolutions to the family of the deceased.
The resolution was agreed to.
The SPEAKER.(2) The Chair appoints the following
committee of Members to attend the funeral: Messrs. Cannon of
Missouri, Englebright, Eaton, and Robsion of Kentucky.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Sam Rayburn (TX).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Likewise, on May 23, 1950,(3) Speaker pro tempore John
W. McCormack, of Massachusetts, recognized Mr. Joseph W. Martin, Jr.,
of Massachusetts, who announced the death of John Andrews, a minority
employee and former Clerk of the House. Mr. Martin then offered the
following resolution:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. 96 Cong. Rec. 7517, 81st Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. MARTIN of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution
(H. Res. 609) and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of Hon. John Andrews, an employee and officer of the
House for more than 30 years.
Resolved, That as a mark of respect to his memory the
Speaker appoint a committee of 10 Members to attend the funeral
services.
[[Page 639]]
Resolved, That the Clerk transmit a copy of these
resolutions to the family of the deceased.
The resolution was unanimously agreed to.
Cabinet Officers
Sec. 6.22 A resolution was adopted by the House on the death of the
Secretary of Labor.
On June 10, 1948,(1) Mr. Henry M. Jackson, of
Washington, announced the death of the Secretary of Labor, Lewis B.
Schwellenbach:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 94 Cong. Rec. 7723, 80th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. JACKSON of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent
to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend my
remarks.
The SPEAKER.(2) Is there objection to the request of
the gentleman from Washington?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Joseph W. Martin, Jr. (MA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
There was no objection.
Mr. JACKSON of Washington. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy
heart that I announce the death of the Secretary of Labor, Hon.
Lewis B. Schwellenbach. He passed away this morning at 4:40 a.m. at
Walter Reed Hospital. . . .
Lewis Schwellenbach was a distinguished public servant, a man
of sterling integrity and principle. He served his Nation well. The
people of my State mourn his loss as do the people of our country
as a whole. I personally have lost a good and staunch friend. We
join in extending our deepest sympathy to his beloved wife and
family.
Following tributes and intervening business in the House, the
following resolution was offered:(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. See 94 Cong. Rec. 7784, 80th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. JACKSON of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution
and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution (H. Res. 661), as follows:
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow the
announcement of the death of Hon. Lewis B. Schwellenbach, late
the Secretary of Labor.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the
deceased.
Resolved, That as a further mark of respect this House do
now adjourn.
The resolution was agreed to.
adjournment
Accordingly (at 5 o'clock and 46 minutes p. m.), under its
previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Friday, June
11, 1948, at 11 o'clock a. m.
Sec. 6.23 A resolution was adopted by the House on the death of the
Secretary of the Navy.
On May 1, 1944,(1) the following proceedings occurred:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 90 Cong. Rec. 3805, 78th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. [Adolph J.] SABATH [of Illinois]. Mr. Speaker, I offer a
resolution (H.
[[Page 640]]
Res. 523), and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of the Honorable Frank Knox, late Secretary of the
Navy.
Resolved, That a committee of seven Members of the House be
appointed to join a committee of the Senate in attending the
funeral of the late Secretary of the Navy on behalf of Congress
and to take such other action as may be proper in honor of the
memory of the deceased and to manifest the respect and
appreciation of Congress for his public service.
Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be
authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary
for carrying out the provision of these resolutions and that
the necessary expenses in connection therewith be paid out of
the contingent fund of the House.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the
deceased.
The SPEAKER.(2) . . .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Sam Rayburn (TX).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The occupant of the chair has received an invitation and will
attend the funeral in addition to the committee just named.
adjournment
The SPEAKER. The Clerk will report the remainder of the
resolution.
The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, That as a further mark of respect this House do
now adjourn.
The resolution was agreed to; accordingly (at 12 o'clock and 7
minutes p. m.) the House adjourned until Tuesday, May 2, 1944, at
12 o'clock noon.
Israeli Olympic Athletes
Sec. 6.24 By unanimous consent, the House considered, and then adopted
by a unanimous record vote, a resolution mourning the deaths of
members of the Israeli Olympic team.
On Sept. 6, 1972,(1) following a 30-minute recess called
as a mark of respect for the 11 Israeli athletes murdered by
terrorists, the following resolution was offered:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 118 Cong. Rec. 29544, 29565, 29566, 92d Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. [Emanuel] CELLER [of New York]. Mr. Speaker, I offer a
resolution (H. Res. 1106) and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution as follows:
H. Res. 1106
Whereas with profound sorrow and deep alarm the House is
informed of the events surrounding the killing of eleven
members of the Israeli Olympic team participating in the
Twentieth Olympiad at Munich, and
Whereas such actions are to be condemned as inimical to the
interests and aspirations of the civilized world, be it hereby
Resolved, That the United States joins with the world in
mourning the loss of Israel's athletes and extends its deepest
sympathy to the people of Israel and to the families of those
so tragically lost, and be it,
[[Page 641]]
Further resolved, That all means be sought by which the
civilized world may cut off from contact with civilized mankind
any peoples or any nation giving sanctuary, support, sympathy,
aid, or comfort to acts of murder and barbarism such as those
just witnessed at Munich and that the Clerk of the House be
directed to communicate these sentiments and expressions to the
Secretary of State for appropriate transmittal.
The SPEAKER.(2) Is there objection to the request of
the gentleman from New York?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Carl Albert (OK).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER. The gentleman from New York (Mr. Celler) is
recognized. . . .
Mr. CELLER. Mr. Speaker, I move the previous question on the
resolution.
The previous question was ordered.
The SPEAKER. The question is on the resolution.
The question was taken; and the Speaker announced that the ayes
appeared to have it.
Mr. [Sidney R.] YATES [of Illinois]. Mr. Speaker, I object to
the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the
point of order that a quorum is not present.
The SPEAKER. Evidently a quorum is not present.
The Sergeant at Arms will notify absent Members, and the Clerk
will call the roll.
The question was taken; and there were -- yeas 346, nays 0, not
voting 85. . . .
So the resolution was agreed to.
President's Mother
Sec. 6.25 The House adopted a resolution upon the death of the mother
of President Truman.
On July 26, 1947,(1) the following occurred in the
House:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 93 Cong. Rec. 10474, 80th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. [Sam] RAYBURN [of Texas]. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution
(H. Res. 347) and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of the mother of the President of the United States,
Mrs. Martha E. Truman, whose life exemplified in the highest
degree the finest qualities of American womanhood.
Resolved, That the House extends to the President and to
the members of his family its deepest sympathy in their hour of
personal grief.
The resolution was agreed to.
Mr. [Dewey] SHORT [of Missouri]. Mr. Speaker, I think it is
altogether fitting and proper that the membership should rise for
30 seconds in silent tribute and respect for the sainted mother of
the President of the United States.
(Whereupon the Members rose.)