{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-colleagues-recommend-charlie-kirk-american-heroes-garden", "HYDE-SMITH, COLLEAGUES RECOMMEND CHARLIE KIRK FOR AMERICAN HEROES GARDEN", "2025-10-31", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "H001079", "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "hydesmith", "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) is among 15 Senators who this week recommended the inclusion of Charlie Kirk, the fallen founder of Turning Point USA, in the National Garden of American Heroes.\n\nThe lawmakers, led by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), issued their recommendation in a letter to President Trump, citing Kirk\u2019s historic contributions to the nation and American democracy.\n\n\u201cCharlie Kirk has made significant contributions as a leader in civic education, grassroots organization, and public dialogue. Through his work, he has inspired countless young Americans to engage in civic life and to appreciate the responsibilities of citizenship,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cHis efforts highlight the enduring importance of free expression, active participation, and leadership in strengthening our democracy.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe inclusion of Mr. Kirk in the National Garden would not only honor his personal achievements but would also underscore the vital role that civic engagement plays in our national heritage,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\nErika Kirk, CEO & Board Chair, Turning Point USA, issued a statement endorsing the Senators\u2019 effort.\n\n\u201cMy husband\u2019s life was so incredible. Charlie forever changed the direction of this country, and he made it a better place for our children, young people, and families. Charlie\u2019s legacy will be felt for generations to come,\u201d Erika Kirk said. \u201cMy husband was a modern American Founding Father, and he deserves every honor and accolade this nation can bestow on him. I am grateful to Senator Cassidy and the 14 other senators who have nominated Charlie for this tremendous honor.\u201d\n\nPresident Trump proposed the creation of a National Garden of American Heroes during his first term to honor \u201cgreat figures of America\u2019s history.\u201d The garden is also designed to be part of the July 2026 celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.\n\nIn addition to Cassidy and Hyde-Smith, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio).\n\nRead the Senators\u2019 letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-colleagues-recommend-charlie-kirk-american-heroes-garden"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 2.1602970082312822, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}