Should Congress formally condemn socialism and reject efforts to implement socialist policies in the U.S.?
This resolution condemns socialism, arguing that it inevitably concentrates power and has historically resulted in totalitarian regimes, mass famine, and the deaths of millions in countries such as the Soviet Union, China, Cambodia, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela. It cites the abuses carried out by socialist leaders and contrasts socialism with the United States’ founding principles of individual liberty and property rights. The resolution declares that Congress opposes socialism in all its forms and rejects efforts to implement socialist policies in the U.S.
Sponsor: Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (Republican, Florida, District 27)
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Opponents say
• "For 35 years now I’ve owned a small business, giving me significantly more experience as a capitalist than the vast majority of members on the other side of the aisle. So as a capitalist, let me tell you: This resolution is plain ridiculous. It jointly condemns Pol Pot and Norway." Source: Rep. Mark Pocan (Democrat, Wisconsin, District 2)
• "The socialism resolution is useless. It does nothing. It does not matter. Are we talking about public schools? Are we talking about roads? Are we talking about Social Security? I mean, give me a break." Source: Rep. Jim McGovern (Democrat, Massachusetts, District 2)
• "With this resolution, House Republicans are sending a message to these nations that we condemn the domestic political process within their nations. That is outrageous. Congress should be working to strengthen the relationships with our fellow democracies, not passing poorly written messaging bills that will alienate our friends and allies." Source: Rep. Betty McCollum (Democrat, Minnesota, District 4)
Proponents say
• "History is clear: from Stalin’s gulags and Cambodia’s killing fields to Castro’s firing squads in Havana, socialism has always ended in misery, suffering, and death. Entire nations have been destroyed and millions of lives shattered, including many in my own community in Miami who fled its brutality. I am proud to introduce this concurrent resolution denouncing the horrors of Socialism in the House, alongside Senator Rick Scott, to ensure Congress speaks with one voice in condemning Socialism in all its forms, wherever it rears its ugly head. America must always stand as the light of liberty against the darkness of socialism and its false promises of equality." Source: Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (Republican, Florida, District 27)
• "Socialism is a failed ideology -- it has destroyed countries, crushed economies, and robbed millions of their basic human rights. Just look at Cuba and Venezuela, or talk to any of the thousands of families in my state of Florida who fled those regimes after evil dictators stripped them of every opportunity. Time and time again, socialism has led to the same, inevitable outcomes: misery, poverty, and oppression. It’s despicable to see far-left radicals villainizing capitalism – a system that has helped billions of Americans achieve their dreams – and try to tear down our country and rebuild it in their woke, radical image through socialist policies. The United States was built on individual freedoms and opportunities, and the right of every individual to pursue the American Dream despite coming from nothing, just like I did. Our resolution is a stark reminder for the far-left: socialism is a failure and Americans will always reject it." Source: Sen. Rick Scott (Republican, Florida)
- Rep. Salazar and Sen. Rick Scott Introduce Resolution Condemning Socialism as a Failed Ideology (Press Release)
- Socialism: Understanding Its Core Principles (The Policy Circle)
- The Rise and Fall of Socialism (AEI)
- Stark Partisan Divisions in Americans’ Views of ‘Socialism,’ ‘Capitalism’ (Pew Research Center)
- Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar’s Largest Donors (OpenSecrets)
