Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Brian Mast (FL-21) reiterated his call to allow every fallen service member to lie in state in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol and urged the passage of H.R. 3642, the Final Honors Act.
Rep. Mast’s renewed push comes in light of recent casualties from Operation Epic Fury, including seven confirmed by the U.S. Department of War: Captain Cody Khork of Winter Haven, Florida; Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sergeant Declan Coady of West Des Moines, Iowa; Major Jeffrey O’Brien of Indianola, Iowa; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan of Sacramento, California; and Sergeant Benjamin Pennington of Glendale, Kentucky.
“The loss of my brothers and sister-in-arms weighs heavy on my heart each and everyday, but I could not be prouder of the seven who gave their lives in defense of our nation. When we lose a service member, our country mourns together, and my Final Honors Act would allow a grateful nation the chance to show the respect and honor our fallen deserve,” Rep. Brian Mast said.
Rep. Mast’s billemphasizes that the sacrifice by our service members warrants the most sacred honor Congress can authorize, advocating for the establishment of a standing authorization for any service member killed in action to lie in state—a sacred tribute afforded to presidents and high-ranking military officials.
While he continues to advocate for a lasting authorization by passing the Final Honors Act, Rep. Mast has also introduced a concurrent resolution to authorize the use of the Rotunda to honor and recognize the service of Captain Cody Khork, Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens, Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor, Sergeant Declan Coady, Major Jeffrey O’Brien, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, and Sergeant Benjamin Pennington.
Read the Final Honors Act here.
Below is the Concurrent Resolution.
H. Con. Res. ___ by Brian Mast
