Rep. Smith Statement on Vote Regarding Resolution Honoring Charlie Kirk
“Political violence has no place in our democracy, and I fully agree with the portions of the Charlie Kirk resolution that condemn it. In this moment, the most important outcome of today’s vote is that the House of Representatives went on record against political violence.
“However, I strongly disagree with the way this resolution reads as an endorsement of Charlie Kirk’s worldview. We can condemn the violence committed against him while disagreeing with his positions and approach to political discourse.
“It would have been far better to pass a bipartisan resolution that clearly and unequivocally condemns all political violence—whether from attacks on Speaker Pelosi, the attack on Minnesota House Speaker Hortman, or anywhere else—without turning it into a partisan effort.
“Even with those serious reservations, I believe the condemnation of political violence is too important to ignore, which is why I supported that central principle in today’s vote.” ### |