Transcript of Speaker Pelosi’s Remarks at the Lying in State of The Honorable Robert J. Dole

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined President Biden, Vice President Harris, Congressional Leadership and other Members of Congress for the lying in state of The Honorable Robert J. Dole in the United States Capitol Rotunda. Below are the Speaker's remarks:

Speaker Pelosi. Good morning.

Mr. President, it is a sad and official honor to join our colleagues in the Leadership and welcome you and the First Lady and the Vice President to the United States Capitol. You come as Senator Dole's longtime colleague, personal friend and as President, as we recognize the life and service of The Honorable Robert J. Dole.

Thanks to the Leaders and Members of our Congressional community here with us this morning. We all come to pay tribute. And on their behalf, I extend a special welcome to Senator Dole's loving and dedicated wife and dedicated partner in service, Elizabeth – Senator Elizabeth Dole, and his dear daughter, Robin. It's sad for all of us.

As Speaker of the House, there's a special source of pride for us in the House that Senator Dole began his Congressional career in the House of Representatives. And it is fitting that – as we gather in the Capitol Rotunda, home to American heroes memorialized in marble and bronze, to pay tribute to an extraordinary patriot.

Once before, we gathered here in the Rotunda in his name: in 2018, it was my personal and official honor to join our colleagues in Leadership to help bestow on him the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor the Congress can bestow. On that day, as we do on this sad day, we recognize Senator Dole among the pantheon of patriots, honoring his duty – he always talked about duty to our nation – with courage, dignity and integrity.

As I stand here and see his coffin, on the catafalque that was built for Lincoln, with that flag dropped – draped over it, and I'm sure many of you will agree, it's hard to think of anyone who was more worthy to have a flag draped over his coffin because of his great patriotism to our country.

On both sides of the aisle, on both sides of Capitol, across the country, Senator Dole was widely respected for his legendary service on the battlefields of World War II. His inspiring resilience after recovering from grievous war wounds. His principled leadership in the hallowed halls of Congress, House and Senate. And his tireless advocacy – as an understatement. Over the course of his storied career, he earned a reputation as a fighter for hard-working American families, a leader who could be trusted as a man of his word.

Working in a bipartisan way, Senator Dole addressed hunger in America by expanding food stamps; fought for respect for people with disabilities by enshrining essential protections into the law with the ADA, again in a bipartisan way. He taught us, over time and all the time, to respect people for what they can do and not judge them for what they cannot. He advocated for our troops, veterans and hidden heroes who care for them, especially alongside his beloved wife Elizabeth. Indeed, the love, partnership and prayerfulness that Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole shared was a joy to behold and a blessing to all of us who know them.

In recognition of his legendary career, Senator Dole received the 1997 Presidential Medal of Freedom, Mr. President, bestowed upon him by President Clinton – his electoral rival, but certainly his fan. Upon receiving this Medal, Senator Dole challenged us, in his words, ‘not to question American ideals or replace them, but to act worthy of them.' Senator Dole lived up to this challenge, devoting his entire life and service to the country he loved and to cherished national values for which he fought.

I remember when we were gathered here, honoring President George Herbert Walker Bush, and how moved the whole nation was to see Senator Dole salute President Bush. So generous, he was.

So, as we honor his life this morning, let us resolve to meet his challenge – which he said, ‘to act worthy of our ideals' – and carry on his mission. When we, in Congress, gave Senator Dole the Congressional Gold Medal, he brought luster – in receiving it, he brought luster to the award, just as his service and sacrifice brought luster to the Congress and to the country.

May it be a comfort to you, Robin, to Elizabeth and all who love him that all – so many people across the Congress, the country, in his beloved State of Kansas – that a grateful nation mourns with them and are praying for you at this sad time.

May Senator Dole rest in the peace that he deserves. Thank you.