U.S. Representative Brian Mast called on Mar. 12 for the passage of H.R. 3642, known as the Final Honors Act, which would allow every fallen service member to lie in state in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol.
The proposal comes after recent casualties from Operation Epic Fury, where seven service members lost their lives. Mast said this measure is intended to give the nation an opportunity to honor those who have died while serving.
The Department of War confirmed that Captain Cody Khork, Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens, Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor, Sergeant Declan Coady, Major Jeffrey O’Brien, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, and Sergeant Benjamin Pennington were killed during the operation. “The loss of my brothers and sister-in-arms weighs heavy on my heart each and everyday, but I could not be prouder of the seven who gave their lives in defense of our nation. When we lose a service member, our country mourns together, and my Final Honors Act would allow a grateful nation the chance to show the respect and honor our fallen deserve,” Rep. Brian Mast said.
Mast’s bill seeks to establish a standing authorization for any service member killed in action to lie in state—a tribute currently reserved for presidents and high-ranking military officials. While advocating for permanent change through legislation, Mast has also introduced a concurrent resolution specifically honoring those recently killed in Operation Epic Fury.
Brian Mast is currently serving in Congress representing Florida’s 21st district after replacing Patrick Murphy in 2017 according to Wikipedia. He previously served in the Florida House of Representatives according to Ballotpedia. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1980, Mast now lives in Fort Pierce according to his official biography. He graduated from Harvard University Extension School with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2016 as reported by The Harvard Crimson.
As Congress considers both the Final Honors Act and related resolutions, supporters say these measures could set new standards for how America recognizes its fallen military personnel.
