Rep. Greg Steube introduced a House rules amendment that would prevent newly elected members of Congress from being seated if they refuse to take the constitutional oath of office.
Steube, a Florida Republican, unveiled the proposal during an interview with commentator Benny Johnson and expanded on it in posts on social media. The congressman said the constitutional oath is not negotiable and those who decline to take it should not be sworn in.
What Steube Proposed
“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.”
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
Steube’s proposal would create a new House rule governing members who decline the oath. He has not yet released the full text of the amendment or detailed how it would apply in cases involving questions about a member’s intent or past statements.
Under Article VI of the Constitution, all members of Congress must take an oath or affirmation to support the Constitution before assuming office. The current oath requires members to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
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 Target
Steube’s comments were directed at Darializa Avila Chevalier, a Democratic Socialist congressional candidate who recently won her Democratic primary in New York. She is expected to compete in the general election for a U.S. House seat.
Steube pointed to Avila Chevalier’s founding of the Columbia University Apartheid Divest organization and cited the group’s platform, which includes statements he characterized as extreme. He also referenced social media posts he attributed to her.
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
“These people are incompatible with our country and cannot uphold their oath of office,” Steube said. He argued that her past statements raised questions about whether she could honestly take the constitutional oath.
What Happens Next
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.
If elected, Avila Chevalier would still be required to take the constitutional oath before being sworn into office under current law.
This story has been updated. CNN’s team contributed to this report.
