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Floor Speech

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Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I would like to begin today by addressing the tragic event that occurred yesterday.

Thirteen years ago, an organization called Turning Point USA was launched to fight back against liberal indoctrination that was occurring on college campuses. It began, as you know, as a little organization. It quickly grew into a dominant force of conservatism on college campuses. It became a national movement.

At the center of this was an 18-year-old young patriot named Charlie Kirk. From students and parents, all the way to President Trump, they all admired Charlie. He was a college dropout who brought debate and dialogue back to our country. For 13 years, Charlie did the most courageous thing in American life: He expressed his beliefs with an open heart. Yes, Charlie had strong political views, and he never feared having those views questioned by anyone, on any topic. In fact, as the Presiding Officer knows, he welcomed it.

Well, the name of yesterday's event was ``Prove Me Wrong.'' It was a fitting testimony to Charlie's fearlessness. For those political convictions, for that personal courage, Charlie became the latest target of political violence.

Many of us knew Charlie personally, as did I. The Presiding Officer and I were with him in October--October 31. We were with him in Phoenix, AZ, during a campaign event with President Trump. He became a beacon for a better, brighter America. Charlie reminded all of us that civil debate makes our arguments sharper, and it makes our society better.

We must live as Charlie lived during his all-too-brief life: with courage and with conviction. God bless Charlie Kirk. May God bless his family, and may he rest in peace.

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