Bob Dole to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday

Congressional leaders announced Monday afternoon that former Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.) will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.

Dole, 98, passed away Sunday following a battle with lung cancer. Dole fought in World War II and ran for president as the Republican nominee in 1996.

The last person to lay in state was Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in September 2020. The honor is traditionally reserved for American politicians, judges and military leaders.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced the arrangements in a statement, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony is invite-only.

"Senator Dole was an extraordinary patriot, who devoted his entire life to serving our nation with dignity and integrity," Pelosi praised Dole.

Schumer said, "I always admired his steadfast advocacy for veterans and for Americans with disabilities and his love for his country." Dole was permanently injured by enemy fire during World War II while stationed in Italy.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) also honored Dole, saying, "Those of us who were lucky to know Bob well ourselves admired him even more.  A bright light of patriotic good cheer burned all the way from Bob’s teenage combat heroics through his whole career in Washington and through the years since. We look forward to honoring his life and legacy at the Capitol."