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HCONRES 48119th CongressIntroduced

Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the lying in honor of the remains of the late Charles James Kirk, a lifelong advocate for freedom of speech, civil political discourse, and the political engagement of youth.

Introduced: Sep 15, 2025
Civil Rights & Justice
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill is a concurrent resolution that would authorize the lying in honor of the remains of Charles James Kirk in the Capitol Rotunda. Described in the bill as “a lifelong advocate for freedom of speech, civil political discourse, and the political engagement of youth,” the measure directs that his remains may lie in honor in the Rotunda on a date and for a period to be determined by the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate. The Architect of the Capitol would handle all necessary arrangements under the direction of these leaders. As a concurrent resolution, the action is ceremonial and does not create or fund new law; it simply designates configuration for a ceremonial honor and requires approval by both chambers.

Key Points

  • 1Designation: Authorizes the lying in honor in the Capitol Rotunda for Charles James Kirk, described as a longtime advocate for free speech, civil political discourse, and youth political engagement.
  • 2Process to determine timing: The date and duration of the lying in honor would be set by the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate.
  • 3Administrative responsibility: The Architect of the Capitol would, under the direction of the congressional leaders, take “all necessary steps” to carry out the arrangements.
  • 4Legislative nature: The measure is a concurrent resolution (shared by the House and Senate) and is ceremonial rather than a binding law.
  • 5Sponsor and referral: Introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on House Administration; reflects typical ceremonial honors process.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Family and supporters of Charles James Kirk; advocates and observers of freedom of speech and youth political engagement; Capitol scheduling and ceremonial staff.Secondary group/area affected: Capitol security and maintenance staff (Architect of the Capitol, Capitol Police) responsible for logistics, security, and the setup in the Rotunda; congressional leadership (Speaker and Senate President pro tempore) who would determine timing.Additional impacts: Establishes a precedent for future ceremonial honors in the Capitol Rotunda; could influence scheduling and resource allocation for Rotunda events; potential public discussion about the appropriateness and symbolism of such honors.
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