Biden Order Closes Federal Agencies To Mourn President Carter

WASHINGTON, DC — President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Monday declaring Jan. 9 a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia at the age of 100.

“All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed on January 9, 2025, as a mark of respect for James Earl Carter, Jr., the thirty-ninth President of the United States,” the executive order says.

The order directs the heads of executive departments and agencies to determine which offices and installations are required to remain open on Jan. 9. Employees determined to be essential for national security, defense or other public needs are required to report for duty as scheduled.

A state funeral will be held for Carter on Jan. 9 at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Ceremonies will also be held in Atlanta and Plains.

Earlier in the day, Biden released a statement officially informing the public of Carter’s death.

Related:

• State Funeral Details Released For President Jimmy Carter
• Jimmy Carter — Former President, Diplomat And Humanitarian — Dies

“President Carter was a man of character, courage, and compassion, whose lifetime of service defined him as one of the most influential statesmen in our history” Biden said. “,He embodied the very best of America: A humble servant of God and the people. A heroic champion of global peace and human rights, and an honorable leader whose moral clarity and hopeful vision lifted our Nation and changed our world.”

The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region in the Department of Defense will oversee the ceremonies.

During Carter’s presidency, the modern departments of Education and Energy were created, according to Biden. He also noted that the former president received the Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing his mediation of the 1978 Camp David Accords.

Related: Former President Carter Honored With Cannon Rounds Fired Monday At APG

“Following his Presidency, President Carter advanced an agenda that elevated the least among us,” Biden said. “Guided by an unwavering belief in the power of human goodness and the God-given dignity of every human being, he worked tirelessly around the globe to broker peace; eradicate disease; house the homeless; and protect human rights, freedom, and democracy.

“Through his extraordinary moral leadership, President Carter lived a noble life full of meaning and purpose. And as a trusted spiritual leader, he shepherded people through seasons of pain and joy, inspiring them through the power of his example and healing them through the power of his guidance.”

Read the full text of President Joe Biden’s executive order.