SRES-451-117
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8316-8317; text: CR S8243)
Sponsored by Raphael Warnock (D-GA)
What it does
This resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at the death of former Senator Max Cleland, who died on November 9, 2021, and honors his life and public service. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit a copy of the resolution to the House of Representatives and to Cleland's family. It also directs the Senate to adjourn on the day of passage as a further mark of respect.
Who benefits
The Cleland family receives a formal enrolled copy of the resolution. Veterans and veteran advocacy communities whose history and contributions are publicly recognized through the resolution's recounting of Cleland's service. Georgians whose former senator is formally honored by the full Senate.
Who is hurt
No group is materially harmed by this resolution. There are no regulatory, fiscal, or legal effects on any person or entity.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that honoring the lives of former senators who served with distinction — particularly those who sacrificed greatly in military service, as Cleland did in Vietnam — is a longstanding and appropriate Senate tradition. They contend that Cleland's decades of public service, from leading the Veterans Administration to championing PTSD recognition for veterans, represents a record of contribution that merits formal acknowledgment by the body in which he served.
Opponents argue
Opponents could argue that honorary resolutions consume limited Senate floor time that could be devoted to substantive legislation, and that the Senate's practice of passing such resolutions by unanimous consent, while efficient, can set a precedent for using the legislative record for ceremonial rather than lawmaking purposes. They might contend that other forms of recognition — such as statements entered into the Congressional Record — could serve the same purpose without requiring a formal resolution.
Constitutional context
No constitutional issues are raised by this resolution. Commemorative resolutions are a well-established exercise of each chamber's authority to govern its own proceedings under Article I, Section 5, which grants each house the power to determine the rules of its proceedings.
Checks and balances
The Senate retains full authority over this resolution; it is a simple Senate resolution (S. Res.) that does not require House passage or a presidential signature, and therefore does not implicate the bicameralism or presentment requirements of Article I.
Historical precedent
The Senate regularly passes commemorative resolutions honoring deceased former members; this follows the same form and procedure as hundreds of prior resolutions honoring former senators across both parties.