House Honors Charlie Kirk Amid Sharp Debate

Congress passed a resolution Friday to honor the late conservative
activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed earlier this month. The measure
passed with bipartisan support, 310–58.

Several progressive Democrats, including Reps. Alexandria
Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib, opposed the resolution. In
remarks on the House floor, Ocasio-Cortez condemned Kirk’s
assassination but criticized his political legacy, arguing that honoring
him could be used to justify limits on free speech.

Her comments drew pushback from conservatives, including Rep.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, who accused Ocasio-Cortez of misrepresenting
Kirk’s work.

The debate comes as Ocasio-Cortez’s national profile continues to
grow. At 35, she will be eligible to run for Senate or the presidency in
2028, and reports suggest her advisors are exploring future
opportunities. She has built a large following through social media,
national rallies, and alignment with progressive figures such as Sen.
Bernie Sanders.

While her supporters see her as a leading voice for a younger, more
progressive Democratic movement, she remains a frequent target of
criticism from conservatives, including President Donald Trump.