Senate Resolution Seeks to Block Military Honors for Ashli Babbitt, Citing Conduct That 'Discredits' Armed Forces

This Senate resolution is a formal statement of opinion—often called a “Sense of the Senate”—that says Ashli Babbitt, who died during the January 6th Capitol events, should not be eligible for military funeral honors. The resolution specifically calls out the Air Force’s prior decision on August 15, 2025, to grant these honors as “indefensible” and a “disservice” to honorably serving veterans. The basis for this pushback is Section 985 of Title 10, U.S. Code, which allows the denial of honors if a person’s actions bring “discredit upon the Armed Forces.”

When Political Conduct Impacts Military Benefits

This resolution is less about changing the law and more about the Senate asserting its interpretation of existing law in a highly specific, politically charged case. The law already says that someone can be denied military honors if their conduct is deemed disgraceful. What this resolution does is officially state the Senate’s belief that participating in the January 6th events constitutes conduct that “discredits” the Armed Forces, effectively applying a political judgment to a military benefit. For veterans and active service members, this sets a precedent: the legislative body is willing to weigh in on how political conduct, even post-service, affects eligibility for traditional military recognition.

The Air Force Gets a Public Scolding

One of the most direct impacts of this resolution is the public condemnation of the Air Force. The resolution explicitly criticizes the Air Force’s administrative decision to grant the honors in the first place. When the legislative branch publicly labels a military administrative decision as “indefensible,” it puts significant political pressure on the Department of Defense. While a “Sense of the Senate” resolution is non-binding—meaning the Air Force doesn't legally have to reverse its decision—it signals strong political will that could force the military branch to re-evaluate its administrative procedures for eligibility, especially in politically sensitive cases. This friction between the legislative and executive branches over a personnel decision is notable.

Affirming Support for Capitol Defenders

Beyond the focus on military honors, the resolution also serves to officially affirm the Senate’s gratitude for the law enforcement officers who protected the Capitol on January 6th. It also explicitly rejects any attempts to praise or justify the actions of those who sought to overturn the U.S. Constitution. Essentially, this resolution is using the legislative platform to take a firm stand on the moral and legal interpretation of the January 6th events, solidifying the Senate’s position on who the heroes and villains of that day were. For the family and supporters of the deceased, this resolution is a very public and formal rejection of her actions and memory by a major branch of government.