SRES-492-118
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5875; text: CR S5854)
Sponsored by Raphael Warnock (D-GA)
What it does
This resolution mourns the passing of First Lady Rosalynn Carter and honors her life and contributions to the United States. It recounts her biography, public service as First Lady, and post-White House humanitarian work, including her advocacy for mental health care, caregiving support, and volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity. The resolution was agreed to by unanimous consent in the Senate.
Who benefits
The Carter family receives formal recognition and condolences from the U.S. Senate. Organizations associated with Rosalynn Carter — including The Carter Center, the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, and Habitat for Humanity — receive indirect public acknowledgment of their missions. Advocates for mental health awareness and caregiver support may benefit from the elevated public profile the resolution provides to those causes.
Who is hurt
No group is materially harmed by this resolution. It carries no regulatory, fiscal, or legal effect.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that honoring a former First Lady who dedicated decades to mental health advocacy, caregiver support, and humanitarian work reflects the Senate's appropriate role in recognizing distinguished public service. They contend that Rosalynn Carter's record — including testifying before Congress for the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980, founding the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, and volunteering on over 4,000 Habitat for Humanity homes — represents a legacy of concrete, measurable contributions to American civic life worthy of formal recognition.
Opponents argue
Opponents of commemorative resolutions generally argue that such measures consume limited Senate floor time without producing any binding policy outcome or legal effect. They contend that the Senate's legislative calendar is finite and that purely symbolic resolutions, however well-intentioned, displace time that could be spent on substantive legislation addressing pressing national needs.