House Adjourns in Respect: Formal Resolution Marks Passing of Former Vice President Richard B. Cheney

This resolution is purely ceremonial and procedural, a formal expression of respect from the House of Representatives following the death of former Vice President Richard B. Cheney. It essentially mandates three things: first, a formal expression of profound sorrow from the House; second, a directive for the Clerk to communicate these resolutions to the Senate and to the family of the deceased; and third, the instruction that the House of Representatives must adjourn for the day as a specific gesture of respect.

The Mechanics of Mourning

For those of us who track what Congress is actually doing, resolutions like this are a standard—though solemn—part of the legislative process. When a current or former high-ranking official passes, Congress typically pauses to formally acknowledge their service. This specific resolution ensures that the passing is officially recorded in the House’s proceedings and that the family receives the formal condolences of the legislative body. Think of it as the ultimate, official signed card from a very large, very formal organization.

What This Means for the House’s Schedule

The most immediate, real-world impact of this resolution is the adjournment. When the House adjourns for the day, all legislative business stops. If you were tracking a committee hearing, a floor vote, or the introduction of a new bill, that activity is immediately halted until the next legislative day. For the average person, this means a temporary pause in the legislative sausage-making, a moment where the focus shifts entirely to protocol and respect rather than policy debates or votes on spending bills. Since this is a highly specific, low-vagueness resolution, its purpose is crystal clear and its implementation is immediate and total.