Tensions erupt among House Dems over vote to honor Charlie Kirk
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Charlie Kirk speaks at AmericaFest 2024 in Pheonix, Ariz., on Dec. 22, 2024. Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
A resolution to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk and condemn his assassination has been the subject of frenzied talk among House Democrats this week as some lawmakers grapple with how to vote on it.
Why it matters: Kirk was not beloved by Democrats, but some in the party fear that anything short of a unanimous vote for the resolution could be a messaging coup for Republicans.
- "People are worried that we're being totally set up," one House Democrat told Axios on the condition of anonymity to offer details of sensitive internal discussions.
- The lawmaker noted that a bipartisan resolution condemning the shootings of Democratic state lawmakers in Minnesota passed the House 424 to 0 in June.
The latest: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said in Democrats' closed-door caucus meeting Thursday morning that leadership will vote for the resolution, according to multiple lawmakers who were present.
- His leadership team is not whipping the resolution, however, leaving lawmakers to decide for themselves how they plan to vote.
State of play: The House is set to vote this week on the five-page resolution, which was introduced by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and is co-sponsored by 165 House Republicans but no Democrats.
- It praises Kirk as a "courageous American patriot" who sought to "elevate truth, foster understanding, and strengthen the Republic."
- "Charlie Kirk personified the values of the First Amendment, exercising his God-given right to speak freely, challenge prevailing narratives, and did so with honor, courage, and respect for his fellow Americans," it says.
- The measure calls Kirk's shooting "a sobering reminder of the growing threat posed by political extremism and hatred in our society."
What they're saying: At least one House Democrat, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), is planning to vote against the resolution, telling Axios she is "not sure what is honorable" about many of Kirk's past statements.
- Asked about concerns of GOP backlash, Crockett said she lives "under their heinous threats every single day" and suggested Democrats should not be like Republicans who have "abdicated their duties out of fear."
- Several more said they are undecided, including Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar (D-Texas). Others said they plan to vote "present."
Between the lines: "I always try to be respectful in times of tragedy or horrific events like this, but ... they are politicizing his death in ways I'm not comfortable with," another undecided House Democrat told Axios.
- "Sadly, there were unlimited numbers of ways to do this," the lawmaker added.
- They argued that a relatively toned-down Senate resolution which passed by a unanimous voice vote was "very appropriate."
The other side: "The guy was assassinated," said Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), telling Axios he plans to vote for the resolution.
- "I disagreed with him on a lot of things, but that doesn't change the fact that he was shot in the neck on live TV in front of his kids and wife."
- Moskowitz added, "We talk about bringing the temperature down, this is one way to do that."
The intrigue: House Democratic leadership has not sent out a whip notice advising the rank-and-file how to vote on the resolution, sources told Axios, leaving each member to decide for themselves.
- That lack of guidance has been the source of some tension throughout Democrats' meetings on Capitol Hill, according to multiple members.
- "I think leadership is trying to focus on the big picture," a third House Democrat who spoke anonymously told Axios. "Unfortunately, shiny objects are what run Washington too often."
- House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), asked whether she is whipping the vote, indicated to Axios she may have an announcement on the subject Thursday.
What to watch: House Democrats are scheduled to hold a closed-door, phone-free meeting Thursday morning, the stated purpose of which is to discuss a vote on federal funding that is also slated to happen later in the day.
- Lawmakers and aides said the meeting will likely also touch on the Charlie Kirk resolution and could prove pivotal in determining how many in the party vote.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) is known to carefully consider the opinions of his members before taking positions on major issues.
- "I expect that's what we're talking about," Casar told Axios.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.
