Why It Matters
The House passed a resolution condemning socialism on September 1, voting 220–192 with two members voting as "present."
H.Res.1490, introduced by Rep. Jeff Crank (R-CO-5), explicitly condemns socialism in all its forms and names the Democratic Socialists of America as an organization the House opposes. It recommits the House to upholding the U.S. Constitution.
The resolution was a key messaging vote for Republicans ahead of November's midterm elections, as the Democratic Socialists of America picked off two House incumbents in Democratic primaries.
The Big Picture
H.Res.1490 moved through Congress on a compressed timeline. The Rules Committee reported the resolution on August 31 by a 7–4 vote, and it reached the House floor under a closed rule the following day. A closed rule restricts amendments and limits floor debate.
The vote allows Republicans to claim they took action against socialism, a potent talking point in conservative districts.
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