Two House Republicans on Monday introduced separate resolutions to punish Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) for her comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Why it matters: The measures are part of a broader Republican effort to ensure that those who celebrate Kirk's death or speak harshly of him face consequences for their words.
- Omar, in a Zeteo interview last week, recounted Kirk's positions on gun control, police reform and race, and spoke dismissively of "people who are out there talking about him just wanting to have a civil debate."
- "There is nothing more f-ed up to completely pretend his words and actions have not been recorded and in existence for the last decade or so," she said.
Driving the news: Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) introduced a one-page resolution Monday that would kick Omar off the House Budget and Education & Workforce Committees.
- Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) also introduced a three-page measure that would kick Omar off her committees and censure her for the comments.
- In addition to the Zeteo interview, Mace's resolution also cites Omar reposting a video on X calling Kirk a "stochastic terrorist" who "with his last dying words ... was spewing racist dogwhistles."
What it says: Mace's measure says Omar's comments and repost "are reprehensible and affect the dignity and integrity of the proceedings of the House and do not reflect credibility on the House."
The other side: "Congresswoman Omar was one of the first to condemn Charlie Kirk's murder, an Omar spokesperson said in a statement to Axios.
- "She explicitly expressed her sympathies and prayers to his wife and children. She condemned his assassination and has routinely condemned political violence, no matter the political ideology."
- "It is telling that those claiming they are for free speech are the ones punishing and silencing those who exercise that right. It is also notable that every single Republican censure resolution against members of Congress targets legislators of color."
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), asked if he will hold a vote on either measure, told Axios: "We'll have to talk about it, I haven't even seen them yet."
- Mace said she plans to exercise her ability to unilaterally force a vote on the measure by the end of this week, telling Axios she hasn't spoken to leadership.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.
