Overview
Title
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.
ELI5 AI
President Jimmy Carter was a leader who once served the United States, and there's a plan to have his body honored in a special place inside a big building called the Capitol. This will happen from January 7 to January 9, 2025, and they will use a special platform to hold his casket there.
Summary AI
S. CON. RES. 3 is a concurrent resolution that authorizes the use of the Capitol's rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of James Earl Carter, Jr., the 39th President of the United States. The resolution also directs the Architect of the Capitol to move the catafalque, a platform for the casket, to the rotunda. This event will take place from January 7 to January 9, 2025, honoring President Carter's service to the nation and the world.
Published
Keywords AI
Sources
Bill Statistics
Size
Language
Complexity
AnalysisAI
Summary of the Bill
The proposed bill, S. CON. RES. 3, seeks to recognize and honor the late James Earl Carter, Jr., the 39th President of the United States, by allowing his remains to lie in state in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. The arrangement is scheduled from January 7 to January 9, 2025. To facilitate these services, the bill authorizes the transfer of the catafalque from the Exhibition Hall of the Capitol Visitor Center to the rotunda. This move is coordinated by the Architect of the Capitol under the direction of the Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Significant Issues
Several notable issues arise within the bill's framework:
Cost and Budget Concerns: There is a concerning lack of financial transparency since the bill does not specify any cost estimates or allocate funds for the arrangements. Without a defined budget or funding source, there is a risk of unchecked spending.
Oversight and Accountability: The absence of oversight mechanisms for the spending required could lead to inefficiencies or misuse of funds. This absence undermines fiscal responsibility and the proper use of taxpayer money.
Financial Responsibility: The bill does not clarify which governmental body will bear the costs of the arrangements. This omission could lead to confusion and disagreements over who is financially responsible, possibly delaying or complicating the process.
Complex Terminology: Technical terms such as "lying in state" and "catafalque" might not be easily understood by the general public. Such complexity can hinder public understanding and engagement, creating a barrier to taxpayer awareness and appreciation of the process.
Leadership Roles: The lack of detailed roles for the Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House in this process leads to ambiguity and could affect coordinated execution of the arrangements.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
The enactment of this bill has several potential broader impacts:
Public Significance: For the general public, particularly those who hold President Carter in high regard, the bill represents respect and recognition of his contributions to the nation. However, the absence of financial clarity might concern taxpayers about potential unwarranted or excessive spending.
Government Efficiency: For governmental bodies responsible for coordinating this event, the lack of detailed directives and oversight could result in logistical and financial inefficiencies. This could potentially undermine trust in governmental operations related to public ceremonies.
Congressional Leaders: The Majority Leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the House may face challenges due to unspecified roles and responsibilities, potentially complicating the coordination necessary to execute the bill's intentions smoothly.
In summary, while the bill's objective to honor a former president is commendable, its execution may need more precise financial and logistical details to avoid potential pitfalls. Clearer guidance on responsibilities and financial management could ensure both respect for President Carter and accountable use of public resources.
Issues
The section does not specify any cost estimates or budget allocation for the arrangements, which may result in unclear or potentially unchecked spending. This is important for financial transparency and accountability to the public. [Section 1]
There is no mention of oversight or accountability mechanisms for the spending associated with the arrangements, which could lead to inefficiencies or misuse of funds. This issue is significant for ensuring proper use of taxpayer money. [Section 1]
The text does not specify who will cover the expenses related to the lying in state and use of the catafalque, potentially leading to ambiguity over which governmental body is responsible for the costs. This could create confusion and disagreements over financial responsibility. [Section 1]
The section relies heavily on terms and procedures that may not be well understood by the general public, such as 'lying in state' and 'catafalque.' This language may be considered overly complex for those unfamiliar with such proceedings, affecting public understanding and transparency. [Section 1]
There is a lack of detail regarding the involvement of the Majority Leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, which could lead to ambiguity over their roles and responsibilities in this context. Clarity in leadership roles is crucial for coordinated decision-making and execution of arrangements. [Section 1]
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Honoring James Earl Carter, Jr Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The document outlines plans for honoring former U.S. President James Earl Carter, Jr. by allowing his remains to lie in state in the Capitol's rotunda from January 7 to January 9, 2025, and arranging for the necessary catafalque to be moved for the services.