A concurrent resolution denouncing the horrors of socialism.
- Bill Number
- S.Con.Res. 21
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-03: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S6011-6012)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-14T17:06:02Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 21) aims to formally denounce socialism as an ideology and oppose its policies in the United States. It highlights historical examples of socialism's negative outcomes to emphasize its incompatibility with American founding principles like individual liberty and property rights.
Key Provisions
- Historical Atrocities Linked to Socialism: The resolution lists examples of harm caused by socialist regimes, including:
- Concentration of power leading to communism, totalitarianism, and dictatorships.
- Over 100 million deaths worldwide from famine, mass murders, and purges.
- Specific cases: Bolshevik Revolution (tens of millions dead), Soviet gulags (at least 10 million sent there), Holodomor famine in Ukraine (millions starved), Great Leap Forward in China (15–55 million starved), Cambodian killing fields (over 1 million murdered), North Korean starvation (up to 3.5 million dead), Cuban expropriations and exiles under Castro, and Venezuela's economic collapse under socialist policies.
- Notable Figures: It names leaders like Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, Pol Pot, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un, Daniel Ortega, Hugo Chavez, and Nicolas Maduro as perpetrators of these crimes.
- Founding Principles: Quotes Thomas Jefferson on the violation of individual industry and property rights through redistribution, and James Madison on the insecurity of property and liberty under arbitrary seizures.
- Core Resolution: Congress declares opposition to socialism in all forms and rejects its implementation in the U.S., affirming the nation's foundation on individual sanctity over collectivism.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. As a concurrent resolution, this is a non-binding expression of congressional opinion. It does not create, amend, or repeal any laws; it serves only as a symbolic statement without legal force.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, but it could influence congressional debates or committee actions (e.g., referred to the Judiciary Committee) on related policy areas like foreign aid or trade with socialist nations.
- On Citizens: Primarily symbolic; it may shape public discourse on economic and political ideologies, potentially affecting voter opinions or educational discussions about history and governance.
- On International Relations: Could signal U.S. stance against socialist governments, straining diplomatic ties with countries like Cuba, Venezuela, or North Korea, but unlikely to alter formal policies without accompanying legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Politicians and Congress: Sponsors (e.g., Mr. Scott of Florida) and members voting on it, as it reflects ideological positions within the 119th Congress.
- American Citizens: Particularly those involved in political activism, education, or economic policy debates, as it promotes anti-socialist views.
- Immigrant and Diaspora Communities: Groups from socialist countries (e.g., Cuban exiles, Venezuelan refugees) may feel validated or supported.
- International Actors: Governments and leaders of socialist-leaning nations named in the resolution, potentially facing heightened U.S. criticism.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No enforceable effects; concurrent resolutions require passage by both Senate and House but do not need presidential approval and carry no statutory weight.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's free speech and debate powers under the First Amendment; it invokes founding documents like the Declaration of Independence and Constitution to argue against collectivism, reinforcing individual rights protections.
- Political: Represents a partisan ideological statement in an era of U.S. political polarization, potentially energizing conservative bases while drawing criticism from progressive groups. Introduced on September 3, 2025, it could influence future bills on economic policy or foreign affairs, but its impact depends on broader legislative support.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-03: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S6011-6012)
- 2025-09-03: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Denouncing the horrors of socialism. — issued 2025-09-03 — PDF (3 pages)