Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) on Wednesday introduced a bill to rename Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, D.C., after assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Why it matters: The bill is part of a Republican frenzy to posthumously honor Kirk, who has already had a California street named after him and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
- The House and Senate both passed resolutions honoring Kirk's "life and legacy" in September, shortly after he was killed.
- A Republican lawmaker in Florida has introduced a bill to designate Oct. 14, Kirk's birthday, as "Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance."
Driving the news: Mace unveiled a three-page bill that would re-designate the two blocks of 16th street leading to the White House as "Charlie Kirk Freedom of Speech Plaza."
- During the 2020 George Floyd protests, the street was painted with large yellow letters reading "BLACK LIVES MATTER," with the D.C. council voting later that year to permanently name the space "Black Lives Matter Plaza."
- Republicans have long chafed against the signage, which was dismantled in March shortly after President Trump returned to office.
The details: Mace's bill would require at least two street signs to be erected at the plaza bearing the name "Charlie Kirk Freedom of Speech Plaza."
- It would also require federal laws, maps, regulations and other official records to refer to it by the new name.
- "By designating this plaza in the heart of our nation's capital, we ensure Charlie's legacy and his unwavering commitment to the First Amendment will never be forgotten," Mace said in a statement.
Reality check: It's not clear whether the bill will get a vote in the House, and it could have a difficult time in the Senate where it would need Democratic support.
The intrigue: This isn't even the only bill a Republican member of Congress has introduced to rename a D.C. street after Kirk.
- A group of Senate Republicans led by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced a bill in October to rename a different section of road near the White House to "Charlie Kirk Way."
- Not to be outdone, Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-Ariz.) introduced a bill to direct the U.S. Treasury to mint commemorative coins in Kirk's honor.
