House Republicans have brought forward a resolution to condemn socialism and a proposed constitutional amendment to cap the Supreme Court at nine justices, forcing a series of votes intended to test Democratic resolve on these issues. The House Rules Committee advanced the anti-socialism resolution on Monday, with no Democratic votes in favor. Democrats criticized the measure as a non-binding resolution that does not address pressing concerns like inflation.
During the committee meeting, Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo., engaged in a heated exchange with House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil, R-Wis., over the definition of socialism. Neguse questioned whether actions like President Donald Trump taking a stake in a grocery store would be considered socialism. Steil responded that he would need to see the details of such a proposal, particularly if it involved a national security imperative, labeling Neguse's line of questioning as entering "silly season."
House GOP Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, R-Mich., stated that Republicans intend to make Democrats "pick a side" on these issues. "It's time for the Democrats to pick a side. Stop playing the middle. Be proud of who you are. You were elected to lead, so lead. Have an opinion. We intend to put you on record," McClain told Fox News Digital.
The anti-socialism resolution also champions Republican-led election security bills, such as the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which requires proof of citizenship and photo identification for voting. Democrats have largely opposed these measures, characterizing them as attempts at voter suppression designed to "silence political opponents," according to Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., sidestepped questions about the anti-socialism resolution, suggesting it was a vehicle to promote the "Suppress the Vote Act." He questioned the support Democrats might give to a resolution that elevates voter suppression legislation.
Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., pointed to the rise of Democratic socialists in New York as an example of what he described as a spread of socialist ideas. "I've seen firsthand the alarming rise of socialism...families in western New York have watched one-party rule in Albany pile on more taxes, more mandates, more government control, while hardworking taxpayers are left to foot the bill," Langworthy said.
The House is also expected to vote on a constitutional amendment to limit the number of Supreme Court justices to nine. Several progressive Democrats have previously called for expanding the court. House GOP leaders have fast-tracked this legislation, though it will require a two-thirds majority to pass the chamber.