Lauren Underwood Rejects Resolution Honoring Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk, born October 14, 1993, was an Illinois native, follower of Christ, American patriot, husband, and father who was tragically assassinated on September 10, 2025. He was the founder of Turning Point USA, a student movement he started in 2012 at the age of 18 to promote principles of “fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government.” Charlie Kirk wanted to be remembered for his "courage for his faith."
The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.Res.719, a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Charles "Charlie" James Kirk. This resolution formally recognizes Kirk's impact and serves as a public statement by the House on the issue of political violence in America. The vote was not unanimous; it passed with 310 "Yea" votes and 58 "Nay" votes, along with 38 representatives voting "Present" and 26 not voting. All the representatives who voted against it were Democrats.
One of the "Nay" votes came from Lauren Underwood, the representative for Illinois’ 14th District. The resolution she opposed condemned the assassination of Charlie Kirk as an act of political violence and highlighted the threats posed by "political extremism and hatred." It asserts that such acts are contrary to a free republic, where differing opinions should be debated rather than silenced. The resolution calls upon leaders and all Americans to unequivocally denounce political violence and recommit to respectful debate.
Jim Marter, a candidate for the 14th district in Illinois, stated, “My opponent, Rep. Lauren Underwood, voted NO to honoring fellow Illinoisian, American Patriot, and Christian martyr, Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated by a cold-blooded left-wing radical murderer, for merely welcoming open, honest, and kind-spirited debate. They couldn't debate him, so they killed him.”
The resolution extends condolences to Kirk's family and honors his legacy of dedication to the Constitution, civil discourse, and Biblical truth, which has inspired a generation. Additionally, it urges that his death serve as a “turning point” to reject violence and uphold American values.
Marter went on to say, “In the spirit of America, all members of the US HOUSE of Representatives should have voted for this, especially those from Charlie Kirk's home state. Instead, Miss Underwood chose to be divisive and vote on her party's hatred of the American spirit and free and open debate—shame on Miss Underwood and the Illinois Democrat caucus.”
The resolution stands as a living reminder of the values Kirk championed: faith, family, and freedom.
Underwood’s constituents have organized events within the 14th district in memory of Charlie Kirk. For more information, see the links below.
Protect the First: A Rally for Charlie Kirk and America - “Join us as Americans who believe in freedom and faith for a time of prayer and action as we remember the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk.”
Representative Underwood did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Photo Credits:
Lauren Underwood: Office of the Cerk, U.S. House of Representatives - Lauren Underwood (September 19, 2025), https://clerk.house.gov/members/U000040
Jim Marter: Marter for Congress Website Homepage (September 19,2025), [Screenshot by Yorkville Herald], https://marter4congress.us