Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Flag lowered at Capital, but not White House


As Congress reconvenes on Tuesday, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) has ordered flags over the United States Capitol to be flown at half-staff to honor the five service members killed in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

"Last week, five brave service members were murdered in a terror attack in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Out of respect for their courageous service and sacrifice to our nation, flags at the U.S. Capitol are being lowered to half-staff.  Later today, we will also mark a moment of silence on the House floor in their memory.  We will continue to pray for their loved ones and also take action to protect our men and women in uniform who protect all Americans."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, "The U.S. Senate's thoughts are with their families and loved ones, and with all those who protect us here, and around the world."

As of Tuesday, President Obama has not ordered the flag lowered to half-staff at the White House.

Asked about the issue on Monday, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said that Obama has offered his "sincere condolences to the families of those who were killed in this attack."

"I would anticipate that you'll hear the president discuss this a little bit more in his remarks at the VFW.

“I don’t have more information about the status of the flag over the White House,” Earnest said.

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