SRES-755-119
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2480; text: CR S2478-2479)
Sponsored by Gary Peters (D-MI)
What it does
This resolution honors the life and public service of former U.S. Senator Donald W. Riegle, Jr. of Michigan, who passed away on April 24, 2026, at age 88. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit a copy of the resolution to the House of Representatives and to Riegle's family. It also adjourns the Senate on the day of adoption as a mark of respect.
Who benefits
The Riegle family receives an official enrolled copy of the resolution and formal congressional condolences. Michigan constituents and veterans' advocates who worked with Riegle are recognized through the acknowledgment of his legislative legacy. The Senate as an institution observes a traditional ceremonial practice of honoring deceased former members.
Who is hurt
No group is materially harmed by this resolution. The Senate adjournment on the day of adoption may marginally delay other legislative business for that session.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that honoring deceased former members is a longstanding Senate tradition that affirms the dignity of public service and provides formal recognition to families of those who dedicated their careers to the country. They note that Riegle's record — spanning nearly three decades, including the Chrysler bailout legislation, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, and the Riegle Report on Gulf War syndrome — represents substantive contributions to Michigan and the nation that merit official acknowledgment.
Opponents argue
Opponents could argue that floor time and unanimous consent procedures used for commemorative resolutions, however well-intentioned, consume limited legislative bandwidth that could be directed toward pending substantive legislation. They might contend that the Senate's ceremonial calendar has expanded over time, and that alternative forms of recognition — such as statements entered into the Congressional Record — could serve the same purpose without requiring a formal floor resolution and adjournment.
Constitutional context
No constitutional issues are raised by this resolution. It is a purely ceremonial, non-binding expression of the Senate's sentiment and does not implicate any enumerated powers, agency authority, or individual rights provisions.
Checks and balances
The Senate exercises its internal procedural authority to adopt this resolution; no other branch gains or loses power, and no external check is implicated.
Historical precedent
The Senate regularly adopts memorial resolutions for deceased former members; this follows the same form and procedure used for prior resolutions honoring former senators.