House Republicans are preparing two bills to challenge Democrats on their views regarding socialism within their party. On Monday, the House Rules Committee advanced a resolution to condemn socialism, with no support from Democrats. Democrats criticized this move as a futile effort.
Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., deemed the bill irrelevant and provided no real benefit to American citizens. He highlighted the need for addressing rising gas and grocery prices instead of passing non-binding resolutions against socialism.
Discussions became heated when Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo., questioned the definition of socialism during an exchange with Bryan Steil, R-Wis., Chairman of the Committee on House Administration. Neguse asked whether President Trump taking a 20% stake in Kroger would be considered socialism. Steil responded by expressing the need to see details, noting it would require a national security focus.
Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., Chairwoman of the Rules Committee, intervened during the discussion, urging respect for Steil’s comments. Steil replied emphatically against government-run grocery stores, stating that some Democratic representatives support such ideas.
A House-wide rule vote on the resolution is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, followed by an evening vote on the resolution itself. Republicans aim to capitalize on internal conflicts within the Democratic Party, especially given the disputes leading up to the mid-term elections.
Another measure will be voted on Wednesday afternoon—a proposed constitutional amendment to limit Supreme Court justices to nine. This legislation has been fast-tracked by GOP leaders and requires two-thirds approval to pass.
In contrast, several prominent progressives, including Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, advocate for expanding the Supreme Court to 13 seats.
Lisa McClain, R-Mich., House GOP Conference Chair, challenged Democrats to clarify their stance and vote decisively, highlighting the importance of clear leadership and positions on socialism.
Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., avoided commenting on the anti-socialism resolution. He suggested the resolution focuses on the SAVE America Act, referred to as the ‘Suppress the Vote Act,’ critiquing its aim at elevating voter suppression legislation.
The resolution also endorses election security bills led by Republicans, advocating measures like proof of citizenship and photo identification, aiming for better enforcement of the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.
Democrats, such as Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., criticize the act as a method to stifle political opposition, accusing Republicans of using fear tactics instead of solving problems.
Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., warned of socialism’s presence in New York, emphasizing its concerning spread, impacting taxpayers and moving from fringe activism to significant political power.
Reporter Elizabeth Elkind from Fox News Digital covers the House of Representatives, with prior experience at Daily Mail and CBS News. Reach out to her on Twitter @liz_elkind or send tips to [email protected].