House Republicans advanced a resolution Monday to formally condemn socialism, forcing Democrats to take a public position on the party's progressive wing during a contentious Rules Committee hearing that exposed deep divisions over economic policy.

The non-binding resolution, introduced by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida, declares that socialism has "failed everywhere it's been tried" and calls on Congress to reject policies that expand government control over healthcare, energy, and housing markets. The measure now heads to the full House for a vote later this week.

Democratic Opposition

Democrats on the Rules Committee called the resolution a political stunt designed to embarrass progressives ahead of November elections. Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, the committee's ranking Democrat, dismissed the bill as "nonsense" that does nothing to address inflation, healthcare costs, or infrastructure needs.

The vote comes as House Democrats navigate tensions between their moderate and progressive factions over economic priorities. Socialist-aligned candidates have won Democratic primaries in several competitive districts this cycle, including Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed and Florida congressional candidate Maxwell Frost.

Democratic Socialist Response

Four moderate House Democrats introduced their own resolution Monday to condemn the Democratic Socialists of America, though that measure faces uncertain prospects for floor consideration. Reps. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, Jared Moskowitz of Florida, and two colleagues cited DSA statements on Israel and foreign policy as reasons for formal censure.

The DSA resolution marks a rare public break between mainstream Democrats and the party's socialist wing, which has gained influence in urban districts and among younger voters. Progressive groups accused moderate Democrats of undermining party unity to appease Republican attacks.

Republican Strategy

House GOP leadership views the anti-socialism vote as a key element of their 2026 message, betting that voters in swing districts will reject candidates who embrace European-style social democracy. Party strategists believe economic issues will dominate the midterm campaign as inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's 2 percent target.

The resolution does not define socialism or specify which policies qualify under the term, leaving Democrats to argue that Republicans are conflating progressive taxation with authoritarian regimes. Republicans counter that any expansion of government economic control moves the country toward socialism regardless of labels.

Supreme Court Amendment

The Rules Committee also advanced a constitutional amendment to cap the Supreme Court at nine justices, blocking Democratic proposals to expand the bench. That measure requires a two-thirds vote in both chambers and ratification by 38 states, making passage virtually impossible but forcing Democrats to take a position on court-packing.

Progressive Democrats have called for adding four seats to counter the Court's 6 to 3 conservative majority, while moderates warn that expanding the bench would trigger escalating retaliation when power changes hands. The amendment vote is expected Tuesday.

Additional bills teed up for votes this week include election integrity measures requiring photo ID and proof of citizenship to vote. Democrats opposed those proposals as voter suppression, setting up a series of party-line votes ahead of the November midterms.