U.S. House Condemns Socialism in Bipartisan Vote, 285-98

The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a resolution on November 21, 2025, condemning socialism in all its forms. The bipartisan vote concluded with a tally of 285 in favor and 98 against, reflecting significant political divisions. Introduced by Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL) approximately one month prior, the resolution cites “more than 100 million deaths at the hands of socialist governments” as a rationale for its stance.

Republicans celebrated the vote as a moral affirmation against a system they claim “crushes the human soul.” Notably, 86 Democratic representatives chose to break party lines to support the condemnation, while 98 Democrats opposed it. This outcome contrasts with a similar vote in 2023, which saw 109 Democrats voting in favor of condemning socialism, while only 86 opposed and 14 opted for a “present” vote.

Among those who supported the resolution were prominent New York and New Jersey lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The support from Democrats, particularly those from urban areas, signals complex political dynamics as Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist, arrived in Washington, D.C., for discussions with President Donald Trump.

The bill also garnered backing from Republican representatives, including Nicole Malliotakis of Staten Island, whose mother fled Cuba in 1959 to escape what she described as the oppressive systems that Mamdani advocates. Malliotakis stated, “My mother left Cuba to avoid what she called the very things that our new socialist mayor in New York City says he wants.”

Democrats opposing the resolution, such as Rep. Maxine Waters from California, criticized it as a distraction from pressing issues. Waters articulated her concerns, stating, “I wish we were here on the House floor this morning debating solutions that would reduce grocery bills, lower housing costs, end Trump’s tariffs strangling American small businesses and manufacturers.” She pointed out that symbolic resolutions, while common, do little to address tangible economic challenges.

Republicans, however, maintained that the vote represented a clear ideological divide. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) expressed his dismay on social media, declaring, “100 Democrats just refused to condemn the horrors of socialism.” Another Republican, Russell Fry (R-SC), described the vote as evidence of a radical left agenda.

The resolution’s passage is framed within a broader context of political maneuvering, as the House has voted to denounce socialism five times since 2009. Of these votes, two were unanimous, while three, including the recent resolution, resulted in significant dissent.

When asked for his thoughts on the resolution, Mayor-elect Mamdani dismissed it as inconsequential. He stated, “I have to be honest with you, I focused very little on resolutions. Frankly, I’ve been focusing … on the work at hand.” He emphasized his commitment to making New York City more affordable, a priority he believes transcends ideological divides.

The outcome of this resolution and the ongoing political discussions reveal shifting sentiments within the Democratic Party and reflect broader national debates about the role of socialism in American policy. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of this vote may resonate well beyond the halls of Congress.