Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., announced he plans to introduce a House rules amendment that would prevent newly elected members of Congress from being seated if they refuse to swear the constitutional oath of office.
Steube unveiled the proposal during an interview with commentator Benny Johnson before reiterating his position in a post on X.
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“Every member of Congress has to swear an oath to protect and uphold the Constitution,” Steube said.
“If she is refusing to do that, she should not be seated. I think we should pass a rule,” he continued.
“This program has given me the idea to file an amendment to the rules.”
In a later post on X, Steube expanded on the proposal.
“The oath to defend the Constitution isn’t optional,” he wrote. “If you’re elected to Congress but refuse to swear it, you shouldn’t be sworn in!!”
“I’m calling for a House rules change to ensure anyone who refuses the oath is barred from taking their seat.”
Steube’s comments were directed at Democratic Socialist congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, whom he argued has a public record that raises questions about whether she could take the constitutional oath in good faith.
According to Steube, Avila Chevalier founded the Columbia University Apartheid Divest organization, commonly known as CUAD.
He pointed to the group’s published platform, which includes statements calling for “Death to America,” the “total eradication of Western Civilization,” and the use of militant force to achieve those objectives.
Steube also referenced previously reported social media posts attributed to Avila Chevalier, including one in which she reportedly joked about using an American flag as a napkin.
“These people are incompatible with our country and cannot uphold their oath of office,” Steube said.
He argued that the constitutional oath requires members of Congress to support and defend the Constitution and questioned whether someone associated with those positions could honestly make that commitment.
Under Article VI of the Constitution, all members of Congress are required to take an oath or affirmation to support the Constitution before assuming office.
The current oath states that members will “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic” and “bear true faith and allegiance to the same.”
Steube’s proposal would create a House rule governing members who decline to take that oath.
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He has not yet released the text of the proposed amendment or explained how it would apply in situations where questions arise about a member’s intent or past statements.
The Democratic Socialist candidate recently won her Democratic primary in New York and is expected to compete in the general election for a seat in the U.S. House.
If elected, she would still be required to take the constitutional oath before being sworn into office.
BREAKING: Rep. Greg Steube Says Newly-Elected Socialists Who Can’t Swear an Oath to America Should NOT Be SEATED in Congress, Announces He Will File An Amendment to Create New Rule:
“Every member of Congress has to swear an oath to protect and uphold the Constitution. If she is… pic.twitter.com/j2iAuNyPwb
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 24, 2026
Even far-left Hakeem Jeffries isn’t liberal enough for the Dem base anymore.
Last night in NY, his endorsed candidates got crushed by Zohran Mamdani-backed socialists. This should be a huge wake up call!
Darializa Avila Chevalier: “I still believe that all deportations are… https://t.co/pYnkoTLwUu
— Congressman Greg Steube (@RepGregSteube) June 24, 2026
The oath to defend the Constitution isn’t optional.
If you’re elected to Congress but refuse to swear it, you shouldn’t be sworn in!!
I’m calling for a House rules change to ensure anyone who refuses the oath is barred from taking their seat. pic.twitter.com/xM81536z3n
— Congressman Greg Steube (@RepGregSteube) June 25, 2026
Whether House leadership will consider Steube’s proposed rules amendment remains unclear.
The House adopts its rules at the beginning of each new Congress, and any changes would require approval by a majority of the chamber.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
