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Senate Sessions while Presidents Lay in State


PresidentDateNote
John F. Kennedy, Jr. 1963Sunday, Nov 24, 1963– Monday Nov 25, 1963The Senate met informally on Monday, November 25, at 10:00 a.m., and passed a resolution expressing sorrow and condolences, and appointing the membership of the Senate to attend the funeral. They then adjourned until noon. At noon, they reconvened and passed a unanimous consent agreement that the earlier informal session be deemed a duly authorized session. Several committees met that day.
Herbert C. Hoover 1964Friday, Oct. 23, 1964–Sunday, Oct. 25, 1964Congress was not in session when President Hoover lay in state in the Capitol rotunda.
Dwight D. Eisenhower 1969Sunday Mar 30, 1969–Monday Mar 31, 1969The Senate met and passed two resolutions–one authorizing purchase of a floral wreath to be placed by the president as he lay in state, and one expressing sorrow and condolences. Senators then eulogized the president, and they adjourned at 2:00 p.m. Several committees met that day.
Lyndon B. Johnson 1973Wednesday, Jan 24, 1973–Thursday, Jan 25, 1973The Senate met at noon and passed a resolution providing for arrangement and payment of members expenses for attending President Johnson's funeral. Senators then eulogized the president until 2:31 p.m. No committee meetings were held on January 24. The Senate did not meet on Thursday, January 26.
Ronald Reagan 2003Wednesday, Jun 9, 2004–Friday, Jun 11, 2004The Senate met at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2004, and senators paid tribute to the life of Ronald Reagan. They passed several resolutions honoring Regan, and passed additional measures and resolutions. Several committees also held hearings that day. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, June 14.
Gerald R. Ford, Jr. 2006Saturday, Dec 30, 2006–Tuesday, Jan 2, 2007The Senate had adjourned sine die on December 8, 2006.
George H. W. Bush 2018Monday, Dec 3, 2018–Wednesday, Dec 5, 2018The Senate met at 2:30 p.m. on both Tuesday, December 4, and Wednesday, December 5. Senators conducted regular business both days, paying tribute to President Bush and introducing resolutions and legislation. Several committees met and held hearings both days. The Senate went into Executive Session on Dec. 5 to consider nominations and invoked cloture (50-49) on one nomination.

Senate Historical Office

December 2018