Congressional Leadership Announces President Carter to Lie in State

WASHINGTON — As the nation mourns the passing of President Jimmy Carter, Speaker Johnson, Senate Majority Leader-Elect Thune, Senate Democratic Leader Schumer, and House Democratic Leader Jeffries sent a letter to President Carter’s son James Carter III and the Carter Center announcing their intent for the 39th President to lie in state in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.

President Carter’s remains will lie in state from the afternoon of January 7 to the morning of January 9. The Capitol will be open to the public during designated times for those who wish to pay their respects to President Carter.

Read the letter below:

Dear Mr. Carter,

On behalf of the United States Congress and the American people, we write to express our sincerest condolences to you on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. 

In recognition of President Carter’s long and distinguished service to the nation, it is our intention to ask the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate to permit his remains lie in state in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol. 

With your approval, we will move forward with these arrangements so that the American people have the opportunity to pay their respects to President Carter before he is laid to rest. 

Sincerely,