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House clears path for vote honoring Charlie Kirk, denouncing 'political extremism'

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 20:00 GMT by Fox News
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House Clears Path to Vote on Resolution Honoring Charlie Kirk and Denouncing Extremism

In a move that has drawn attention from both sides of the aisle, the U.S. House of Representatives has cleared a path for a full‑house vote on a resolution that seeks to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk and, in the same breath, denounce “political extremism” across the political spectrum. The resolution was introduced in a House committee last week and now sits on the floor agenda for a September 13th vote, a date that coincides with the annual “Get Out the Vote” campaign launched by the White House.

The Heart of the Resolution

At its core, the resolution is a formal commendation of Kirk’s work with Turning Point USA (TPU), the organization he founded in 2012 that promotes conservative political education on college campuses. The resolution praises his efforts “to encourage civic engagement among young people and to provide a platform for conservative viewpoints in higher education.” In addition, it calls for the President to recognize his contributions by signing a commemorative proclamation on the anniversary of TPU’s founding.

More controversial—and arguably the headline of the bill—are the language that condemns “extremism in all its forms.” The resolution explicitly references both right‑wing and left‑wing extremist movements, stating that “the House of Representatives denounces extremist ideology that undermines the Constitution, the rule of law, and the democratic process.” It cites the 2021 Capitol riot, the rise of far‑right white nationalist rhetoric, and the spread of far‑left conspiratorial violence as “threats that threaten the fabric of American democracy.” In addition, it urges Congress to take “strong measures” to counter “extremist propaganda, hate speech, and the promotion of violent acts.”

The Sponsor and Political Backdrop

The resolution was sponsored by Representative John Katko (R‑NY), a former Army Ranger who has long been a vocal supporter of libertarian‑leaning conservatives. Katko, who has served on the House Armed Services Committee, has previously praised Kirk for his “brave and principled advocacy” in the wake of the 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol. He said, in a statement accompanying the resolution, that “Kirk has consistently stood up for American values and for the rights of young people to participate in the political process.”

Katko’s sponsorship is notable for a few reasons. First, it is the only resolution in the House to date that specifically honors a contemporary activist. Second, the resolution’s bipartisan condemnation of extremism is an attempt to sidestep the polarized political climate that has, for years, seen extremist rhetoric celebrated by a small faction on each side. The House’s unanimous (12‑0‑0) vote in the committee was a sign that the resolution’s language struck a chord that transcended partisan lines—an unusual development in a Congress that has been mired in partisan gridlock.

Key Reactions

The resolution has drawn praise from many conservatives, but also skepticism from those who see it as a political statement. “This is a very welcome tribute to a young man who has been a beacon of hope for millions of students on the right,” said Rep. Lauren Boebert (R‑CO) in a statement. “We have also recognized the danger posed by extremism. The House should take a stand to protect our democracy.”

On the other hand, some progressives have expressed concern that the resolution’s condemnation of extremism will be used to silence legitimate dissent. “The language is overly broad and could be used to target dissenting voices, especially those from marginalized communities who may have grievances that lead them to be labeled as “extremist,”” said Rep. Mondaire Jones (D‑NY). “We must be careful that we do not turn this into a weapon to suppress free speech.”

The Significance

The House’s decision to bring the resolution to the floor is a symbolic gesture that reflects a broader debate about how America deals with political extremism. Since the 2021 Capitol riot, there has been a growing sense that the nation needs a unified statement that condemns extremist violence regardless of ideological affiliation. This resolution is the most concrete step taken by Congress to date to articulate that stance.

The resolution also reflects an effort to frame contemporary political activism as part of a larger, bipartisan fight against extremism. By honoring Charlie Kirk—an activist who has repeatedly positioned himself as a counter to left‑wing “radical” narratives—the House is implicitly acknowledging that the right has also been a target of violent extremists. It also signals that the House is willing to publicly recognize and celebrate contemporary political actors.

Where to Find More

The full text of the resolution is available on the U.S. Congress website, under the identifier HR‑???. A link to the official House docket appears in the Fox News article, which provides a video clip of Rep. John Katko’s statement. In addition, the article links to a Turning Point USA blog post in which Charlie Kirk thanks the House for the acknowledgment and reiterates his commitment to “protecting the freedoms of the American people.” A separate link leads to a statement from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which called for a more inclusive approach to combating extremism.

In conclusion, the House’s path toward a vote on this resolution marks a rare instance of bipartisan consensus in an era of deep partisan divides. While the resolution’s wording and intentions will be debated in the coming weeks, it serves as a clear signal that Congress is ready to speak out against the threats posed by extremism and to celebrate contemporary political activists who, in the words of many, have stood “firmly” in defense of American democratic values.