Providing for the Condemnation and Denouncement of Socialism in All Its Forms, and for Other Purposes
The House debated a resolution condemning socialism in all its forms, including the Democratic Socialists of America, and opposing socialist policies in the United States. Republicans supporting it said socialism concentrates power in government, leads to economic decline and lost freedoms, and cited the DSA platform and members’ personal or family experiences with socialist and communist countries as reasons to reject it; they said the vote shows where each member stands. Democrats opposed it, saying it repeats votes the House has already taken, does nothing to address rising costs, and also renews support for a voting bill they said would make it harder to register and vote and would disrupt elections already underway; some also pointed to government purchases of company stock they argued fit the definition of socialism the resolution condemns. A portion of the debate went to members describing conditions in their own districts and personal backgrounds.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .
“I am asking the House to take up this resolution condemning socialism.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1499, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 1490) providing for the condemnation and denouncement of socialism in all its forms, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration. The Clerk read the title of the resolution.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1499, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 1490) providing for the condemnation and denouncement of socialism in all its forms, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration. The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
“I want the House to pass this resolution to condemn socialism. Socialism leads to government control, destroys democracy, and harms our elections by letting noncitizens vote. We should protect our country by keeping government small and keeping elections secure for American citizens only.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by thanking the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Crank) for authoring this very timely resolution. Mr. Speaker, let’s set the stage. Socialism has no place in the United States of America. Hard work and merit are the backbone of American Dreams, not socialism in government outcome and government control. Our Nation is at a crossroads. Across the country, socialist policies are increasingly dominating democratic politics. Members of this body openly support key elements of the Democratic Socialists of America’s platform. The mayor of our largest city is a socialist. The U.S. Senator who was a leading candidate for the 2020 Democratic nomination for President is a socialist. America has a choice. We can go down the path of Big Government socialism, or we can keep fighting to shrink government and help the American people keep more of their hard-earned money. The resolution condemns socialism, and it exposes the radical policies of the Democratic Socialists of America’s platform. Let’s quickly look through the platform. It supports giving the right to vote to 12 million noncitizens and criminals who are currently incarcerated. It supports ranked-choice voting for all elections. It calls for abolishing the electoral college and the United States Senate. These are radical policies, and they would undermine the integrity of the American election and destroy our democratic system. Now, contrast this radical agenda with what Republicans support. We believe that American elections are for American citizens only. We are focused on making it easy to vote and hard to cheat. Our goal is to strengthen election integrity. That is why we are pushing commonsense reforms like requiring photo ID and citizenship verification when individuals register to vote. Socialists are opposing these commonsense ideas because they fundamentally oppose securing our elections. Mr. Speaker, socialism is easy to elect, but it is nearly impossible to remove. That is because socialist ideology concentrates power in a way that has led to totalitarian rule, time and time again. Here at home, DSA leaders have repeatedly described our bicameral Federal Republic as inherently undemocratic. Make no mistake, if socialists are given the chance, socialists will abolish our democratic system. Mr. Speaker, socialist policies are responsible for the death of 100 million people worldwide. This resolution rejects and condemns this dangerous ideology. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by thanking the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Crank) for authoring this very timely resolution. Mr. Speaker, let’s set the stage. Socialism has no place in the United States of America. Hard work and merit are the backbone of American Dreams, not socialism in government outcome and government control. Our Nation is at a crossroads. Across the country, socialist policies are increasingly dominating democratic politics. Members of this body openly support key elements of the Democratic Socialists of America’s platform. The mayor of our largest city is a socialist. The U.S. Senator who was a leading candidate for the 2020 Democratic nomination for President is a socialist. America has a choice. We can go down the path of Big Government socialism, or we can keep fighting to shrink government and help the American people keep more of their hard-earned money. The resolution condemns socialism, and it exposes the radical policies of the Democratic Socialists of America’s platform. Let’s quickly look through the platform. It supports giving the right to vote to 12 million noncitizens and criminals who are currently incarcerated. It supports ranked-choice voting for all elections. It calls for abolishing the electoral college and the United States Senate. These are radical policies, and they would undermine the integrity of the American election and destroy our democratic system. Now, contrast this radical agenda with what Republicans support. We believe that American elections are for American citizens only. We are focused on making it easy to vote and hard to cheat. Our goal is to strengthen election integrity. That is why we are pushing commonsense reforms like requiring photo ID and citizenship verification when individuals register to vote. Socialists are opposing these commonsense ideas because they fundamentally oppose securing our elections. Mr. Speaker, socialism is easy to elect, but it is nearly impossible to remove. That is because socialist ideology concentrates power in a way that has led to totalitarian rule, time and time again. Here at home, DSA leaders have repeatedly described our bicameral Federal Republic as inherently undemocratic. Make no mistake, if socialists are given the chance, socialists will abolish our democratic system. Mr. Speaker, socialist policies are responsible for the death of 100 million people worldwide. This resolution rejects and condemns this dangerous ideology. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.
“This vote lets the American people see where lawmakers stand. Members can choose to stand with the Democratic Socialists of America or stand with freedom and against socialist policies.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I note my colleague said this resolution allows Members to state how they feel, where they stand. I think that is actually reasonably true. You can pull out the Democratic Socialists of America program, and you can flip to page 15 and read through some of the highlights: defund the Pentagon, free Palestine with Jerusalem as the capital, grant amnesty for all immigrants regardless of legal status. This is a chance, as my colleague says, to show how we feel and where Members stand. The American people will get to see. Do they stand with the Democratic Socialists of America or do they stand with democracy and freedom and oppose the socialist policies that we are seeing from the radical left? Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Crank), the author of this resolution, to speak.”
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I note my colleague said this resolution allows Members to state how they feel, where they stand. I think that is actually reasonably true. You can pull out the Democratic Socialists of America program, and you can flip to page 15 and read through some of the highlights: defund the Pentagon, free Palestine with Jerusalem as the capital, grant amnesty for all immigrants regardless of legal status. This is a chance, as my colleague says, to show how we feel and where Members stand. The American people will get to see. Do they stand with the Democratic Socialists of America or do they stand with democracy and freedom and oppose the socialist policies that we are seeing from the radical left? Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Crank), the author of this resolution, to speak.
“I want the House to pass this resolution to condemn socialism and the Democratic Socialists of America. Their ideas go against our Constitution, harm freedom, and raise the cost of living.”
“Mr. Speaker, this resolution simply condemns socialism and anti-American ideas of the DSA. It is a simple up-or-down vote: Where do you stand on the anti-American platform of the DSA? Mr. Speaker, 10 to 15 years ago, we wouldn’t even have to ask this question. A resolution like this would have passed 10 or 15 years ago 435-0. The Rules debate from yesterday showed that some of my friends think that this is pointless. Now, these are the same people who shut down government and didn’t want to pay soldiers and employees for months on end, and we are being lectured about this being pointless? What was that? However, what we are seeing in elections across the country paint a different picture. The Democratic Socialists of America was a fringe movement a decade ago. Now, they are growing within the Democratic ranks, winning primaries, and threatening the foundation of what makes this country the greatest on Earth. Mr. Speaker, I can help my friends if they aren’t sure how to vote on something as simple as this. Let me remind every Member of this Chamber: You took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. The DSA uses intimidation to shut down free speech. This is unconstitutional, and it is anti-American. The DSA’s candidates’ platforms stand in direct contrast to our Republic. They are in favor of getting rid of the United States Senate, open borders, defunding the police, and allowing noncitizens to vote in Federal elections. Those aren’t consistent with our Constitution. DSA is an insidious movement within the Democratic Party. Let’s be clear. They aren’t running as Republicans. They are Democrats. There is no Republican Socialists of America. Mr. Speaker, we know where these ideas lead to: Less freedom, less liberty, less money in your pockets, more government, more taxes, and more control. These are ideas in governments that many have fled to come to the United States of America. They came here to seek freedom, opportunity, and self-government. These are things that we have sworn to protect in this body. This is no longer a fringe movement. They want to take over this country and upend our democracy and our voting laws. DSA-affiliated candidates are increasingly running for office across this country, and we are seeing what happens when they win. Democrats and DSA don’t want Americans to show their IDs at the polls, so noncitizens can vote them into power. However, as soon as they are elected, they turn around and ask for your ID to enter a government-run grocery store. If we believe American elections belong to Americans and the American people, then we should have no problem saying so clearly. We should say so by adopting this resolution as a unified body because if we don’t, we let this fester uncondemned. If we fail to pass this resolution and we continue to not pass the SAVE America Act to ensure secure and fair elections, they will exploit our democracy. They will mislead the public into putting them into positions of power and erode all sense of individual liberty. Freedom-loving Americans can escape New York City, but if DSA continues to run candidates and beat Democrats in Federal primaries, Americans will be the ones fleeing from their own country to escape socialist and communist ideologies. Where can they go if they can’t be here in America? I encourage my colleagues to stand firm against the ideas coming out of the Democratic Socialists of America. Families are worried about the cost of living. I understand that. However, like doctors, who take the Hippocratic oath, above all else, do no harm. Socialism is harm. Socialism doesn’t lower costs. It doesn’t bring prosperity. Free markets and capitalism lift people out of poverty. Embracing freedom and liberty brings prosperity for people. These are the values that have guided this country for 250 years, and this body needs to ensure that it remains our guiding light. Mr. Speaker, I urge my friends to support this resolution and vote ``yes.’’ It is really not that hard.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, this resolution simply condemns socialism and anti-American ideas of the DSA. It is a simple up-or-down vote: Where do you stand on the anti-American platform of the DSA? Mr. Speaker, 10 to 15 years ago, we wouldn’t even have to ask this question. A resolution like this would have passed 10 or 15 years ago 435-0. The Rules debate from yesterday showed that some of my friends think that this is pointless. Now, these are the same people who shut down government and didn’t want to pay soldiers and employees for months on end, and we are being lectured about this being pointless? What was that? However, what we are seeing in elections across the country paint a different picture. The Democratic Socialists of America was a fringe movement a decade ago. Now, they are growing within the Democratic ranks, winning primaries, and threatening the foundation of what makes this country the greatest on Earth. Mr. Speaker, I can help my friends if they aren’t sure how to vote on something as simple as this. Let me remind every Member of this Chamber: You took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. The DSA uses intimidation to shut down free speech. This is unconstitutional, and it is anti-American. The DSA’s candidates’ platforms stand in direct contrast to our Republic. They are in favor of getting rid of the United States Senate, open borders, defunding the police, and allowing noncitizens to vote in Federal elections. Those aren’t consistent with our Constitution. DSA is an insidious movement within the Democratic Party. Let’s be clear. They aren’t running as Republicans. They are Democrats. There is no Republican Socialists of America. Mr. Speaker, we know where these ideas lead to: Less freedom, less liberty, less money in your pockets, more government, more taxes, and more control. These are ideas in governments that many have fled to come to the United States of America. They came here to seek freedom, opportunity, and self-government. These are things that we have sworn to protect in this body. This is no longer a fringe movement. They want to take over this country and upend our democracy and our voting laws. DSA-affiliated candidates are increasingly running for office across this country, and we are seeing what happens when they win. Democrats and DSA don’t want Americans to show their IDs at the polls, so noncitizens can vote them into power. However, as soon as they are elected, they turn around and ask for your ID to enter a government-run grocery store. If we believe American elections belong to Americans and the American people, then we should have no problem saying so clearly. We should say so by adopting this resolution as a unified body because if we don’t, we let this fester uncondemned. If we fail to pass this resolution and we continue to not pass the SAVE America Act to ensure secure and fair elections, they will exploit our democracy. They will mislead the public into putting them into positions of power and erode all sense of individual liberty. Freedom-loving Americans can escape New York City, but if DSA continues to run candidates and beat Democrats in Federal primaries, Americans will be the ones fleeing from their own country to escape socialist and communist ideologies. Where can they go if they can’t be here in America? I encourage my colleagues to stand firm against the ideas coming out of the Democratic Socialists of America. Families are worried about the cost of living. I understand that. However, like doctors, who take the Hippocratic oath, above all else, do no harm. Socialism is harm. Socialism doesn’t lower costs. It doesn’t bring prosperity. Free markets and capitalism lift people out of poverty. Embracing freedom and liberty brings prosperity for people. These are the values that have guided this country for 250 years, and this body needs to ensure that it remains our guiding light. Mr. Speaker, I urge my friends to support this resolution and vote ``yes.’’ It is really not that hard.
“I want the House to pass this resolution to condemn socialism. Socialism leads to communism, economic ruin, and the loss of personal freedom. Both parties used to oppose it together, but now some Democrats are welcoming it.”
“Mr. Speaker, first, let’s be clear that socialism is communism light. Socialism is the first step to communism. If anybody doubts what I am saying, just listen to Vladimir Lenin, the first leader of the Soviet Union, who proclaimed the goal of socialism is communism. It begins with promises of free programs, government-controlled prices, and punishment of the supposedly wealthy, redistribution of wealth to help everyone. However, it ends with shortages, economic collapse, and a government powerful enough to take away citizens’ rights, their property, and livelihoods, end the freedom of the press, and a complete takeover of the courts and judicial system. Communism and socialism destroy. It steals from the people while those who run the regime live as kings. That is the reality. It is about consolidating power for a select few. Now, since the last century, we have had Democrats and Republicans in Congress come together to condemn socialism, to stop the rise of communism in this country. Go back and read it in history: In the thirties and forties and fifties, and afterwards, they stood up against it, and they fought together, and that is why freedom always prevailed. However, now we have one side standing up for freedom, for prosperity, and for the American way of life, and we have the other side that is actually rolling out the red carpet for socialism. I believe it is because they are trying to preserve their positions here in Congress and they care more about the primary elections than they do about protecting this country. They are rolling out the red carpet and nominating people who want to bring this dangerous ideology here to the Halls of Congress. My mayor in New York City ran on an agenda of government-run supermarkets, abolishing private property rights, and seizing the means of production. Those were his words. That was his platform. Guess what, Mr. Speaker. That is straight out of the playbook of Karl Marx. That is exactly what they did to my mother’s homeland of Communist Cuba. It is what destroyed her family, what took her home, what took my grandfather’s small business, and what caused my family to break up and never see each other again. That is what they are refusing to condemn today. Republicans will stand on the side of freedom, of prosperity, of free markets, and of the American way of life. I hope my colleagues, at least some of them, have the guts to do what the Democrats did in the thirties, forties, and fifties, and join us on what should be a bipartisan position condemning socialism and communism in the United States of America.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, first, let’s be clear that socialism is communism light. Socialism is the first step to communism. If anybody doubts what I am saying, just listen to Vladimir Lenin, the first leader of the Soviet Union, who proclaimed the goal of socialism is communism. It begins with promises of free programs, government-controlled prices, and punishment of the supposedly wealthy, redistribution of wealth to help everyone. However, it ends with shortages, economic collapse, and a government powerful enough to take away citizens’ rights, their property, and livelihoods, end the freedom of the press, and a complete takeover of the courts and judicial system. Communism and socialism destroy. It steals from the people while those who run the regime live as kings. That is the reality. It is about consolidating power for a select few. Now, since the last century, we have had Democrats and Republicans in Congress come together to condemn socialism, to stop the rise of communism in this country. Go back and read it in history: In the thirties and forties and fifties, and afterwards, they stood up against it, and they fought together, and that is why freedom always prevailed. However, now we have one side standing up for freedom, for prosperity, and for the American way of life, and we have the other side that is actually rolling out the red carpet for socialism. I believe it is because they are trying to preserve their positions here in Congress and they care more about the primary elections than they do about protecting this country. They are rolling out the red carpet and nominating people who want to bring this dangerous ideology here to the Halls of Congress. My mayor in New York City ran on an agenda of government-run supermarkets, abolishing private property rights, and seizing the means of production. Those were his words. That was his platform. Guess what, Mr. Speaker. That is straight out of the playbook of Karl Marx. That is exactly what they did to my mother’s homeland of Communist Cuba. It is what destroyed her family, what took her home, what took my grandfather’s small business, and what caused my family to break up and never see each other again. That is what they are refusing to condemn today. Republicans will stand on the side of freedom, of prosperity, of free markets, and of the American way of life. I hope my colleagues, at least some of them, have the guts to do what the Democrats did in the thirties, forties, and fifties, and join us on what should be a bipartisan position condemning socialism and communism in the United States of America.
“I want the House to pass this resolution against socialism. The Democratic Socialists of America want to change our elections, get rid of the Senate, and put all the power in the hands of the government. This vote will show the American people where each lawmaker stands.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, per the comments that this calls out socialism and not communism, it calls out socialism in all its forms. So if the gentleman who just spoke dislikes communism, he has a great opportunity to vote for this resolution. Per the commentary about election law, this is a direct contrast between the platform of the Democratic Socialists of America who want to dramatically change the election process in the United States of America. The Democratic Socialists of America want to change how we elect the President of the United States. They want to abolish the Senate. They want to dramatically transform the democracy of the United States of America. Why? It is because socialism concentrates power. What they want to do is establish socialism, which is easy to elect but very difficult to remove. That is why this resolution is so important. It is so the American people will know where their Member stands. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg) to speak on the resolution.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, per the comments that this calls out socialism and not communism, it calls out socialism in all its forms. So if the gentleman who just spoke dislikes communism, he has a great opportunity to vote for this resolution. Per the commentary about election law, this is a direct contrast between the platform of the Democratic Socialists of America who want to dramatically change the election process in the United States of America. The Democratic Socialists of America want to change how we elect the President of the United States. They want to abolish the Senate. They want to dramatically transform the democracy of the United States of America. Why? It is because socialism concentrates power. What they want to do is establish socialism, which is easy to elect but very difficult to remove. That is why this resolution is so important. It is so the American people will know where their Member stands. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg) to speak on the resolution.
“I want the House to pass this resolution to condemn socialism. Socialism takes away freedom, increases government control, and leads to poverty. We must reject these ideas to protect American families.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1490 to condemn socialism and the dangerous policies being pushed by the Democratic Socialists of America, and, sadly, by my Democrat colleagues on the other side of the aisle. The United States, including my home State of Michigan, has seen a troubling rise in support for socialism’s destructive policies and leaders who seek to expand bureaucratic control in every sector of Michiganders’ lives. From defunding the police to letting noncitizens vote and seizing private small businesses, the DSA is promoting radical policies, Mr. Speaker, that undermine the values that have carried our Nation through 250 years and blessed the world. There is nothing democratic about socialism. All it is is a soft word for communism. I agree. It has never produced prosperity. It has only led to fewer choices, more poverty, and more government control, with the cruel loss of freedom and liberty. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to listen to what we are talking about, to ultimately get past the idea of stupid and get on the idea of genius in favor of this resolution, to reject this radical ideology and protect the rights and freedoms of hardworking Michigan and American families.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1490 to condemn socialism and the dangerous policies being pushed by the Democratic Socialists of America, and, sadly, by my Democrat colleagues on the other side of the aisle. The United States, including my home State of Michigan, has seen a troubling rise in support for socialism’s destructive policies and leaders who seek to expand bureaucratic control in every sector of Michiganders’ lives. From defunding the police to letting noncitizens vote and seizing private small businesses, the DSA is promoting radical policies, Mr. Speaker, that undermine the values that have carried our Nation through 250 years and blessed the world. There is nothing democratic about socialism. All it is is a soft word for communism. I agree. It has never produced prosperity. It has only led to fewer choices, more poverty, and more government control, with the cruel loss of freedom and liberty. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to listen to what we are talking about, to ultimately get past the idea of stupid and get on the idea of genius in favor of this resolution, to reject this radical ideology and protect the rights and freedoms of hardworking Michigan and American families.
“I support this resolution to condemn socialism. Democrats are being taken over by radicals who want to cut defense spending, give legal status to all immigrants, and bring socialism to the United States.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the gentlewoman asked what we oppose. You can actually just pull out the platform of the Democratic Socialists of America, and it is like shooting fish in a barrel of what we oppose: defund the Department of Defense; free Palestine, with their capital in Jerusalem; provide amnesty to all immigrants, regardless of legal status. The list goes on. We oppose a lot of it. That is why this resolution is actually very relevant. The radical left is taking over portions of the Democratic Party. This isn’t your grandfather’s Democratic Party anymore. This is a new radicalized Democratic Party that wants to install socialism right here in the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim).”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the gentlewoman asked what we oppose. You can actually just pull out the platform of the Democratic Socialists of America, and it is like shooting fish in a barrel of what we oppose: defund the Department of Defense; free Palestine, with their capital in Jerusalem; provide amnesty to all immigrants, regardless of legal status. The list goes on. We oppose a lot of it. That is why this resolution is actually very relevant. The radical left is taking over portions of the Democratic Party. This isn’t your grandfather’s Democratic Party anymore. This is a new radicalized Democratic Party that wants to install socialism right here in the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim).
“I want the House to pass this resolution to condemn socialism. I saw my family suffer under it in Korea. Socialism takes away freedom, causes starvation, and has killed over 100 million people worldwide. The groups pushing it want to destroy our government and our Constitution.”
“Mr. Speaker, I grew up in the shadow of war in South Korea. My family fled poverty and a bitter lack of opportunity, and my mother- in-law crossed the DMZ multiple times to rescue loved ones who were trapped under tyranny in North Korea. For me, it is unimaginable to see socialist ideas gaining traction in America today, but then I remember that socialism never advertises its track record: starvation, oppression, the loss of freedom and opportunity, and more than 100 million lives lost worldwide. Today’s proponents of socialism have made their goals clear. Read them for yourself on the DSA website: abolish the U.S. Senate, replace the Presidency, dismantle the Supreme Court, and rewrite our Constitution. These radicals want to tear down everything America stands on and everything it stands for. I refuse to watch that happen. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1490 so that this generation of Americans is not fooled by the empty promises of socialism and future generations never pay the price that families like mine already have. As Ronald Reagan said: We must preserve America as the world’s last best hope for mankind.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I grew up in the shadow of war in South Korea. My family fled poverty and a bitter lack of opportunity, and my mother- in-law crossed the DMZ multiple times to rescue loved ones who were trapped under tyranny in North Korea. For me, it is unimaginable to see socialist ideas gaining traction in America today, but then I remember that socialism never advertises its track record: starvation, oppression, the loss of freedom and opportunity, and more than 100 million lives lost worldwide. Today’s proponents of socialism have made their goals clear. Read them for yourself on the DSA website: abolish the U.S. Senate, replace the Presidency, dismantle the Supreme Court, and rewrite our Constitution. These radicals want to tear down everything America stands on and everything it stands for. I refuse to watch that happen. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1490 so that this generation of Americans is not fooled by the empty promises of socialism and future generations never pay the price that families like mine already have. As Ronald Reagan said: We must preserve America as the world’s last best hope for mankind.
“I want the House to pass this resolution to condemn socialism. Socialist policies take people's hard-earned money and give the government total control over our lives. We should reject these ideas and support hard work and freedom instead.”
“Mr. Speaker, the so-called Democrat Socialists want you to believe three things: one, that their ideas are somehow new and innovative; two, that everyone gets a participation trophy; and, three, that we can pay for all their false promises by simply taxing other people. Folks back home in my district know that this is absurd, and it is the antithesis of the principles that our country was founded on. The socialist wing is gaining steam in the Democratic Party. It is important that we defeat this ideology before it is too late. What I find ironic, Mr. Speaker, is that many of the leading voices for socialism happen to be quite wealthy. I find this ironic because they advocate for policies that will prevent others from attaining the same financial position that they are in. They want to pull up the ladder of opportunity. These socialists want to take more of your hard- earned money, gut the private sector, and bring permanent malaise. Socialists talk like they are champions of the people, but they live like country club members. They demand control over your work, family, and future while they lock the gates and leave you outside. We are better than this, Mr. Speaker. This resolution before us today simply condemns socialism. This is just a small step for my colleagues on the other side to join us in clearly rejecting this anti-American project. Let’s be a country that continues to embrace hard work, self- determination, innovation, and liberty and rejects a culture of dependence and total government control. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.”
Mr. Speaker, the so-called Democrat Socialists want you to believe three things: one, that their ideas are somehow new and innovative; two, that everyone gets a participation trophy; and, three, that we can pay for all their false promises by simply taxing other people. Folks back home in my district know that this is absurd, and it is the antithesis of the principles that our country was founded on. The socialist wing is gaining steam in the Democratic Party. It is important that we defeat this ideology before it is too late. What I find ironic, Mr. Speaker, is that many of the leading voices for socialism happen to be quite wealthy. I find this ironic because they advocate for policies that will prevent others from attaining the same financial position that they are in. They want to pull up the ladder of opportunity. These socialists want to take more of your hard- earned money, gut the private sector, and bring permanent malaise. Socialists talk like they are champions of the people, but they live like country club members. They demand control over your work, family, and future while they lock the gates and leave you outside. We are better than this, Mr. Speaker. This resolution before us today simply condemns socialism. This is just a small step for my colleagues on the other side to join us in clearly rejecting this anti-American project. Let’s be a country that continues to embrace hard work, self- determination, innovation, and liberty and rejects a culture of dependence and total government control. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.
“I want the House to pass this resolution against socialism. Socialism only makes everyone equally poor.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we all know, socialism is a promise that is going to make everyone equal, equally poor. This is why it is so important to stand up and vote ``yes’’ on this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Mann) to speak on the resolution.”
Mr. Speaker, as we all know, socialism is a promise that is going to make everyone equal, equally poor. This is why it is so important to stand up and vote ``yes’’ on this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Mann) to speak on the resolution.
“I want the House to pass this resolution to condemn socialism. Socialist candidates are gaining power across the country and pulling the Democratic Party further left. History shows that socialism leads to government control, famine, and mass murder. We must reject it.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1490 condemning socialism in all its forms. For years, we were told that socialism was a fringe movement on the left that posed no threat to our country. That is simply no longer true. Today, socialist candidates are building political machines and pushing their party further and further left in New York, Colorado, Michigan, California, and across the country. Since the election of a Democrat Socialist as mayor of New York City, DSA-affiliated candidates have run in more than 100 elections across at least half of our States. The message inside today’s Democratic Party is becoming increasingly clear: Embrace the socialist agenda or step aside for someone who will. We should remember what socialism really means. It means concentrating power in government, weakening private property rights and free enterprise, and replacing individual liberty with government control. History is not ambiguous about the consequences. Socialist and Communist regimes have produced famine, repression, mass murder, and more than 100 million deaths worldwide. America became the greatest country on Earth because we rejected that model. This House should do the same today. Mr. Speaker, I urge every Member of Congress to vote ``yes’’ and condemn socialism in all its forms.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1490 condemning socialism in all its forms. For years, we were told that socialism was a fringe movement on the left that posed no threat to our country. That is simply no longer true. Today, socialist candidates are building political machines and pushing their party further and further left in New York, Colorado, Michigan, California, and across the country. Since the election of a Democrat Socialist as mayor of New York City, DSA-affiliated candidates have run in more than 100 elections across at least half of our States. The message inside today’s Democratic Party is becoming increasingly clear: Embrace the socialist agenda or step aside for someone who will. We should remember what socialism really means. It means concentrating power in government, weakening private property rights and free enterprise, and replacing individual liberty with government control. History is not ambiguous about the consequences. Socialist and Communist regimes have produced famine, repression, mass murder, and more than 100 million deaths worldwide. America became the greatest country on Earth because we rejected that model. This House should do the same today. Mr. Speaker, I urge every Member of Congress to vote ``yes’’ and condemn socialism in all its forms.
“I want to know how much debate time I have left.”
“Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Smith of Nebraska). The gentleman from Wisconsin has 11 minutes remaining. The gentleman from New York has 12\1/2\ minutes remaining.”
Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Smith of Nebraska). The gentleman from Wisconsin has 11 minutes remaining. The gentleman from New York has 12\1/2\ minutes remaining.
“Capitalism works because people succeed by helping their neighbors. Socialism is the opposite. It uses government force to take what one person earns and give it to someone else. Freedom lets people make their own choices, but socialism hurts everyone.”
“Mr. Speaker, when Tim Walz said that one man’s socialism is another man’s neighborliness, he got it completely backward. There is only one way to prosper in a capitalist society. You have to figure out what somebody else needs and get it for them better than they can get it for themselves. That might mean mowing their lawn. It might mean doing brain surgery on their child, but whatever it is, you have to help your neighbor. Socialism is the opposite. It is taking by force what one person has earned by helping others and giving it to someone who has not. If I take a dollar from Peter and give it to Paul, I have helped Paul in the amount of one dollar and I have hurt Peter by that very same amount. What I have really done is to rob both of them of one dollar’s incentive of helping each other. Paul no longer needs to help Peter for his dollar and Peter no longer profits from helping Paul. Freedom requires very little force because people are free to act according to their own needs and judgment and to prosper for their own talents and labor. Socialism requires crushing government force because it must compel people to act against their own interests. In a free society, every person gets to vote every day with every dollar they spend on what the society will produce, who will produce it, and how much they are willing to pay, all voluntarily. In a socialist society, elites make those decisions for the people and then impose them on the people by force. In a free society, every transaction benefits both parties by definition. In a socialist society, every transaction benefits one party while it hurts the other. The lesson of history comes down to four words: Freedom rocks. Socialism sucks.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, when Tim Walz said that one man’s socialism is another man’s neighborliness, he got it completely backward. There is only one way to prosper in a capitalist society. You have to figure out what somebody else needs and get it for them better than they can get it for themselves. That might mean mowing their lawn. It might mean doing brain surgery on their child, but whatever it is, you have to help your neighbor. Socialism is the opposite. It is taking by force what one person has earned by helping others and giving it to someone who has not. If I take a dollar from Peter and give it to Paul, I have helped Paul in the amount of one dollar and I have hurt Peter by that very same amount. What I have really done is to rob both of them of one dollar’s incentive of helping each other. Paul no longer needs to help Peter for his dollar and Peter no longer profits from helping Paul. Freedom requires very little force because people are free to act according to their own needs and judgment and to prosper for their own talents and labor. Socialism requires crushing government force because it must compel people to act against their own interests. In a free society, every person gets to vote every day with every dollar they spend on what the society will produce, who will produce it, and how much they are willing to pay, all voluntarily. In a socialist society, elites make those decisions for the people and then impose them on the people by force. In a free society, every transaction benefits both parties by definition. In a socialist society, every transaction benefits one party while it hurts the other. The lesson of history comes down to four words: Freedom rocks. Socialism sucks.
“I want the House to pass this resolution against socialism. Socialists want high taxes, government-run grocery stores, and an end to fossil fuels. They also want noncitizens to vote and Congress to pick the president instead of the voters. I believe only U.S. citizens should vote, and we must protect our freedoms from these ideas.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote for this important resolution. A lot has been said here on the floor, so let’s try to re- encapsulate what has been discussed. It was just referenced about the importance of the price of groceries and the importance of the price of gas, and I couldn’t agree more with the importance. If we look at the contrast between the policies of those of us on the right and how we want to reduce those with those on the left, I think the contrast becomes quite clear. My colleagues on the left and the Democratic Socialists of America want government-owned grocery stores. That will not lower the price of groceries. My friends on the left want a Green New Deal, and it is right here in the platform. They want to end the use of fossil fuels. That will drive up the cost of energy for hardworking American families. Instead, we should be continuing our work to unleash American energy, to lower the costs for American families. It is a clear contrast between those that support the socialist ideals and the socialist ideas and the Democratic Socialists of America’s platform with those of our platform. We talked about election law. The Democratic Socialists of America start with the premise that America has never been a democracy. Mr. Speaker, America is the world’s greatest democracy. The Democratic Socialists of America want to replace the popular vote for President with an executive chosen by Congress. That might be one of the scariest parts of the entire DSA platform. They want this body to choose the President of the United States of America, not the people. They want to strip that power away from American citizens and instill that power here in Washington, D.C. They want to allow noncitizens to vote. In their platform, they would allow all permanent noncitizens of the United States of America to vote. I believe, and my colleagues believe, that U.S. elections should be for U.S. citizens only. If we want to see how this plays out, I can look right here in our Nation’s Capital in Washington, D.C., where under current law noncitizens residing in Washington, D.C., can vote in municipal elections. Let’s just set this clear as to how extreme this is. An individual working in the Russian Embassy could walk out with a passport in their pocket, not need to show up because they don’t require photo ID in our Nation’s Capital, walk to the polls, and in 9 weeks from today cast their ballot for Mayor in Washington, D.C. That is the current law. Noncitizens are allowed to vote in municipal elections in Washington, D.C., and the DSA platform lays out what their plan is to allow noncitizens, millions of noncitizens, to vote in American elections, but they want them all to vote. How do we know that? You can turn the page to other sections of their platform where they want to provide amnesty for every illegal alien in the United States of America. They want to allow them to be a U.S. citizen then they can all vote. We can see exactly what the playbook is of the Democratic Socialists of America. The list goes on. They want aggressive taxes on successful individuals. They want to abolish the Senate. The list goes on as to where the Democrat ideas are, and they call it Democratic socialism, probably because stealing doesn’t poll terribly well, Mr. Speaker. This is a stark contrast between where the radical left and the Democratic Socialists of America want to take this country and where we believe and know this country needs to go. In particular, I am making sure that we have election integrity. We can see in the platform of the DSA exactly how they would gut the election integrity provisions that we rely on. They want to allow noncitizens to vote. They want to drive forward a socialist agenda. As I remind everyone, it is very easy to vote socialism in. It is very difficult to remove socialism. It is why this resolution is so important so the American people know exactly where their Member stands. Shortly here today, we will be able to vote on this resolution and everyone in the United States of America will know where their Member in the United States House of Representatives stands. Do they stand with the Democratic Socialists of America who want socialism to drive forward in the United States of America, or do they stand with the freedoms and liberties that we know and cherish here in the United States of America? Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to vote for this resolution, to stand up against the evils of socialism, and to stand in support of the greatest country in the world, the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote for this important resolution. A lot has been said here on the floor, so let’s try to re- encapsulate what has been discussed. It was just referenced about the importance of the price of groceries and the importance of the price of gas, and I couldn’t agree more with the importance. If we look at the contrast between the policies of those of us on the right and how we want to reduce those with those on the left, I think the contrast becomes quite clear. My colleagues on the left and the Democratic Socialists of America want government-owned grocery stores. That will not lower the price of groceries. My friends on the left want a Green New Deal, and it is right here in the platform. They want to end the use of fossil fuels. That will drive up the cost of energy for hardworking American families. Instead, we should be continuing our work to unleash American energy, to lower the costs for American families. It is a clear contrast between those that support the socialist ideals and the socialist ideas and the Democratic Socialists of America’s platform with those of our platform. We talked about election law. The Democratic Socialists of America start with the premise that America has never been a democracy. Mr. Speaker, America is the world’s greatest democracy. The Democratic Socialists of America want to replace the popular vote for President with an executive chosen by Congress. That might be one of the scariest parts of the entire DSA platform. They want this body to choose the President of the United States of America, not the people. They want to strip that power away from American citizens and instill that power here in Washington, D.C. They want to allow noncitizens to vote. In their platform, they would allow all permanent noncitizens of the United States of America to vote. I believe, and my colleagues believe, that U.S. elections should be for U.S. citizens only. If we want to see how this plays out, I can look right here in our Nation’s Capital in Washington, D.C., where under current law noncitizens residing in Washington, D.C., can vote in municipal elections. Let’s just set this clear as to how extreme this is. An individual working in the Russian Embassy could walk out with a passport in their pocket, not need to show up because they don’t require photo ID in our Nation’s Capital, walk to the polls, and in 9 weeks from today cast their ballot for Mayor in Washington, D.C. That is the current law. Noncitizens are allowed to vote in municipal elections in Washington, D.C., and the DSA platform lays out what their plan is to allow noncitizens, millions of noncitizens, to vote in American elections, but they want them all to vote. How do we know that? You can turn the page to other sections of their platform where they want to provide amnesty for every illegal alien in the United States of America. They want to allow them to be a U.S. citizen then they can all vote. We can see exactly what the playbook is of the Democratic Socialists of America. The list goes on. They want aggressive taxes on successful individuals. They want to abolish the Senate. The list goes on as to where the Democrat ideas are, and they call it Democratic socialism, probably because stealing doesn’t poll terribly well, Mr. Speaker. This is a stark contrast between where the radical left and the Democratic Socialists of America want to take this country and where we believe and know this country needs to go. In particular, I am making sure that we have election integrity. We can see in the platform of the DSA exactly how they would gut the election integrity provisions that we rely on. They want to allow noncitizens to vote. They want to drive forward a socialist agenda. As I remind everyone, it is very easy to vote socialism in. It is very difficult to remove socialism. It is why this resolution is so important so the American people know exactly where their Member stands. Shortly here today, we will be able to vote on this resolution and everyone in the United States of America will know where their Member in the United States House of Representatives stands. Do they stand with the Democratic Socialists of America who want socialism to drive forward in the United States of America, or do they stand with the freedoms and liberties that we know and cherish here in the United States of America? Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to vote for this resolution, to stand up against the evils of socialism, and to stand in support of the greatest country in the world, the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
