“Every member of Congress has to swear an oath to protect and uphold the Constitution,” Steube said.
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.
“If she is refusing to do that, she should not be seated
“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.”
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’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
“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.
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 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
Steube’s proposal would create a House rule governing members who decline to take that oath. Advertisement 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.
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:
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 24, 2026
"Every member of Congress has to swear an oath to protect and uphold the Constitution. If she is… pic.twitter.com/j2iAuNyPwb
Even far-left Hakeem Jeffries isn’t liberal enough for the Dem base anymore.
— Congressman Greg Steube (@RepGregSteube) June 24, 2026
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
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The oath to defend the Constitution isn’t optional.
— Congressman Greg Steube (@RepGregSteube) June 25, 2026
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
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
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.
