Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

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.

Summary

This concurrent resolution authorizes the use of the Capitol rotunda for the lying in honor of Charles James Kirk. Kirk is described as a lifelong advocate for freedom of speech, civil political discourse, and the political engagement of youth. The resolution directs the Speaker of the House, the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the Architect of the Capitol to arrange the event.

Expected Effects

The resolution will allow for a ceremony to be held in the Capitol rotunda to honor Charles James Kirk. This provides a venue for national recognition of his contributions. The event will likely involve logistical arrangements and potential costs associated with security and setup.

Potential Benefits

  • Provides national recognition for an individual who championed important civic values.
  • Offers a space for mourning and remembrance.
  • May inspire others to engage in civil discourse and political participation.
  • Reinforces the importance of freedom of speech.
  • Upholds a tradition of honoring distinguished citizens.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential costs associated with security, setup, and staffing.
  • May be perceived as politically motivated, depending on Kirk's affiliations.
  • Could be seen as setting a precedent for similar honors, potentially leading to overuse of the rotunda.
  • May disrupt normal Capitol operations during the event.
  • Risk of protests or disruptions during the ceremony.

Constitutional Alignment

The resolution aligns with the spirit of the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech. While the Constitution does not explicitly address the use of the Capitol rotunda for lying in honor, Congress's authority to manage its own affairs, as implied in Article I, Section 5, allows for such symbolic gestures. The action does not infringe upon any specific constitutional provision.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).