House Republicans Advance Resolution Condemning Socialism Amid Democratic Opposition

<p>House Republicans are advancing a pair of bills this week aimed at clarifying Democratic positions on socialism. The House Rules Committee approved a resolution to condemn socialism during its meeting on Monday, with no Democratic votes in favor. Democrats criticized the resolution as unproductive.</p><p>Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., referred to the bill as "nonsense" and argued it does not address pressing issues for Americans, stating, "So you're concerned about rising gas, or are you concerned about grocery prices? You know, don't worry. Republicans in Congress are passing another non-binding resolution condemning socialism."</p><p>Tensions arose during the committee meeting as Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo., confronted Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil, R-Wis., regarding the definition of socialism. Neguse questioned whether a hypothetical situation where President Donald Trump took a "20% stake" in Kroger grocery stores would be considered socialism, to which Steil responded he would need to see the details.</p><p>Neguse expressed frustration, stating, "Oh, you'd want to see the details. You said if the government owns grocery stores, that would be socialist. But if, of course, Donald Trump were to announce an equity stake in a grocery store, well, 'I'd have to really see the details,' because we all know the play." Steil maintained that he would consider such a proposal if it had national security implications, but reiterated that Neguse was presenting a hypothetical scenario.</p><p>At one point, Rules Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., admonished Neguse for interrupting Steil. Steil remarked, "Some folks on your side of the aisle would like to have government-run grocery stores. I think that's nuts." Neguse pressed further, asking about the implications of government equity in grocery stores, to which Steil responded, "I think there would need to be a national security rationale for the action. I don't see any in your hypothetical. I don't see a national security focus." Neguse acknowledged Steil's response as "helpful," while Steil quipped, "It's a hypothetical. So we're entering silly season."</p><p>A House-wide vote on the resolution is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, followed by a vote on the resolution itself later that evening, according to a provisional schedule obtained by Fox News Digital.</p><p>While it is common for Democrats on the House Rules Committee to oppose Republican-led measures, the current situation highlights the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party as Republicans leverage these divisions in the lead-up to the midterm elections. Another measure is expected for a vote on Wednesday afternoon, which will address a constitutional amendment to cap the number of Supreme Court justices at nine.</p><p>Several prominent progressives, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, have advocated for expanding the Supreme Court to up to 13 seats. House GOP leaders plan to expedite this legislation, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage instead of a simple majority.</p><p>House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain, R-Mich., stated, "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." She emphasized the importance of clarity regarding support for socialism and the Supreme Court amendment.</p><p>House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., did not directly address whether he supports the anti-socialism resolution, instead criticizing it as an attempt to elevate what he termed the "Suppress the Vote Act." He expressed skepticism about the resolution's intent, questioning its focus on voter suppression legislation.</p><p>The resolution condemning socialism also supports Republican-led election security bills, which are described as "common-sense election integrity measures, including proof of citizenship, photo identification, and database checks." It calls for the enforcement of the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which has passed the House but remains unaddressed in the Senate. Democrats have largely criticized this legislation as voter suppression.</p><p>Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., characterized the bill as an effort to "silence political opponents," while Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., warned that the influence of Democratic socialists is growing in his state and could spread further.</p>