On Friday, House Republicans expressed their discontent with Democrats over their refusal to denounce the “horrors of socialism.” They warned that this vote implied that more Democrats favor socialism than reject it.
The House passed H. Conn. Resolution 58 with a vote of 285-98. This resolution highlights how various socialist regimes, from Lenin’s Soviet Union to Maduro’s Venezuela, have resulted in famine, mass murder, and authoritarian rule. It declares a condemnation of socialism, and notably, all Republicans who voted supported this stance, whereas Democrats were split, with 98 voting against it. The GOP emphasized their stance against the implementation of any socialist policies in America.
Following the vote, Republican leaders took to social media, accusing Democrats of endorsing “big government socialism.” They claimed the vote demonstrated that there are “over 100 socialist sympathizers” within the House and criticized the current state of the Democratic Party, insisting that “America will never accept Marxism.” They argued that socialism ought not to exist in the country.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expressed disbelief that 98 Democratic members could not renounce an ideology responsible for “forced starvation” and massive loss of life. He asserted that while Republicans have firmly stated that “America will never embrace Marxism,” Democrats have declined to make a similar proclamation.
House Minority Leader Steve Scalise also criticized the 100 Democrats who declined to reject socialism and its negative outcomes, branding the ideology as radical and warning that it is deeply entrenched not only in places like New York City but across the Democratic Party. He insisted that House Republicans will “never allow socialism to undermine our freedoms and take over America.”
Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), whose parents came from communist Cuba, celebrated the resolution’s passage but denounced the 98 “no” votes as a sign that these Democrats rejected critical historical assessments and were unwilling to condemn leaders like Mao and Castro. She cautioned that “Democrats in the House are more for socialism than against it.”
In her address, Salazar illustrated the growing acceptance of socialism, particularly among young Americans, linking it to the recent election of a “proud socialist” in New York’s mayoral race. She emphasized the urgency for Congress to unite against socialism before it’s too late.
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) labeled the Democrats who opposed the resolution as “socialist sympathizers,” arguing they had simply chosen not to denounce the horrors associated with socialism.
The House Republican Party’s official account highlighted the dangers posed by self-identified socialists, suggesting that many Americans lack an understanding of what socialism truly is. They called socialism “the deadliest ideology in history,” responsible for the deaths of over 100 million people.
Rep. Rich Hudson (R-NC) pointed out that the refusal of 98 Democratic members to denounce socialism underscores a shift in their party, contrasting their votes with those who supported condemning regimes responsible for millions of deaths and advocating for “liberty, property rights, and free enterprise.”
Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) remarked that the vote indicated the troubling direction of the Democratic Party, labeling the results alarming after so many Democrats opted against condemning socialism.
Rep. Russell Frey (R-SC) echoed the sentiment that the vote showed a clear disregard for policies aimed at combating ideologies that threaten freedom in America, calling it proof of the left’s irrationality.
Highlighting the significance of American freedoms, Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) stressed that for 250 years, the nation has stood for democracy, asserting that not condemning socialism is a betrayal of America’s foundational principles.
Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) cautioned that the left’s hesitance to denounce socialism should alarm all Americans, asserting that there are dire consequences to embracing such ideologies.
Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) criticized those opposing the resolution, insisting that rejecting an ideology linked to significant loss of life and oppression should not be contentious.
Rep. Rudy Yakim (R-IN) noted the historical failures of socialism, advocating for Congress to uphold American freedoms vigorously.
Rep. Brian Still (R-WI) mocked Democrats for their inability to collectively reject socialism, indicating that such a stance should be straightforward.
Rep. Troy Neals (R-TX) simply asked if anyone was surprised by the outcome, pointing to the trend revealing that more Democrats oppose denouncing socialism than support it.
Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-AR) reinforced his support for the resolution, claiming it signifies the House’s firm denial of socialism’s encroachment into America.
Salazar was noted for describing the resolution as a moral stance against an ideology that has devastated millions, warning of the soul-crushing nature of socialism and Marxism.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), whose mother immigrated from Cuba, repeatedly stressed the inherent dangers of socialism, drawing parallels to its failures in places like Cuba and Venezuela.
Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) recalled her own observations of socialism’s impact during her time in the former Yugoslavia, arguing that Americans cannot allow such a failed ideology to shape their future.
Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) shared a video emphasizing the dangers posed by the Democratic Party’s tilt toward socialism, linking it to the election of openly socialist mayors.
Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX) criticized the far left for creating chaos to gain control, claiming their tactics show a disregard for meaningful policies.
House Republican Leader Elise Stefanik (R-NY) chastised the New York Democratic Party for being overtaken by radical socialists, asserting that this vulnerability stems from fear of primary challenges. She vowed to resist the forces of socialism that are threatening the state.
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), with family roots tracing back to Cuba, condemned socialism and communism as devastating ideologies, commending efforts to resist such influences.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), who introduced a Senate resolution in tandem with the House’s actions, deemed it vital to swiftly pass it in order to convey a clear message about America’s commitment to freedom.
