The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution on September 1 condemning socialism in all its forms, with 220 votes in favor, 192 opposed, and 2 voting present. The measure, which also endorses the SAVE America Act—a voter identification bill backed by former President Donald Trump—passed after eight House Democrats broke ranks to support it.
The resolution, introduced by Rep. Jeff Crank (R-CO), explicitly condemns socialism and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), stating that the ideology has led to famine, mass murders, and repressive regimes worldwide. It also criticizes the DSA for advocating policies such as allowing noncitizens and incarcerated individuals to vote, abolishing the Senate, and implementing ranked-choice voting.
Five Republicans initially opposed the procedural rule to advance the resolution, citing objections to a short-term government funding bill and the Senate’s failure to pass conservative priorities like the SAVE America Act. However, all five later voted to affirm the resolution itself. The procedural vote succeeded only after two moderate Democrats, Reps. Jared Golden (D-ME) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), defected to support the rule.
Key Details of the Vote
- Republicans: Nearly all voted in favor, including Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA), an independent who caucuses with the GOP.
- Democrats in Favor: Reps. Kathy Castor (FL), Henry Cuellar (TX), Don Davis (NC), Jared Golden (ME), Vicente Gonzalez (TX), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA), Darren Soto (FL), and Gabe Vasquez (NM).
- Democrats Voting Present: Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (PA) and Maggie Goodlander (NH).
- Democrats Opposed: The majority of House Democrats voted against the resolution, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) criticizing its inclusion of the SAVE America Act, calling it a form of voter suppression.
Political Context and Reactions
Republicans framed the vote as a necessary condemnation of socialism amid the rise of Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates in primary elections. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) stated, “Not only do we denounce socialism, but also the idea of people that aren't American citizens voting in our elections.”
Democrats countered that the resolution was an election-year tactic to manufacture political talking points. Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), chair of the House Democratic Caucus, argued that Republicans were using the measure to distract from economic concerns, stating, “What Republicans are seeking to do here is to just add another talking point.”
Moderate Democrats attempted to amend the resolution to remove the SAVE America Act endorsement, but their proposal was rejected by the GOP-controlled House Rules Committee. The resolution is non-binding and does not carry the force of law.
Background on the SAVE America Act
The SAVE America Act, a priority for Trump, would implement stricter voter identification requirements. It has faced opposition in the Senate, where it lacks sufficient support to advance. Republicans tied its passage to the resolution, framing it as part of a broader effort to address election integrity concerns.
The resolution’s passage comes as Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates have won primary elections in multiple states, including New York, Colorado, and Texas. While few sitting House Democrats identify as democratic socialists, the movement’s growing influence within the party has become a focal point for Republican messaging ahead of the November midterm elections.