Pelosi, Schumer Announce The Honorable Robert J. Dole Will Lie in State in the United States Capitol Rotunda

Washington, D.C. – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced that The Honorable Robert J. Dole will lie in state in the United States Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, December 9, 2021.  A formal arrival and departure ceremony will be held on Thursday.

The Honorable Robert J. Dole served with distinction in the United States Army during World War II and was awarded two Purple Hearts for his valor.  He then went on to represent the people of Kansas for four terms in the U.S. House and more than four terms in the U.S. Senate, where he led the Senate Republican Conference for more than a decade.  Senator Dole was a leading advocate for Servicemembers, veterans and military families, and inspired millions with his leadership on behalf of Americans with disabilities.

“Senator Dole was an extraordinary patriot, who devoted his entire life to serving our nation with dignity and integrity,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  “Putting his life on the line to defend our nation, he was awarded two Purple Hearts for his valor and sacrifice on the battlefield – and, when he came home, served as an inspiration to millions of Americans living with disabilities.  From the Well of the House to the Floor of the Senate, as a presidential candidate and as an elder statesman, he was one of the foremost advocates for our Servicemembers, veterans and military families.  May it be a comfort to his loving wife, his dear daughter and all his loved ones that a grateful nation joins them in mourning during this sad time.”

“Senator Dole exemplified the greatest generation, and while I never had the pleasure of serving in the Senate with him, his reputation and his achievements, and most of all his character preceded him,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.  “I always admired his steadfast advocacy for veterans and for Americans with disabilities and his love for his country.  Rest in peace, Senator Dole.”

“Whatever their politics, anyone who saw Bob Dole in action had to admire his character and his profound patriotism,” said Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.  “Those of us who were lucky to know Bob well ourselves admired him even more.  A bright light of patriotic good cheer burned all the way from Bob’s teenage combat heroics through his whole career in Washington and through the years since.  We look forward to honoring his life and legacy at the Capitol.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony will be open to invited guests only.  Additional details will be announced at a later date.

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