Leading House Democrats struggled to answer questions about a new Democratic Socialists of America platform calling for the abolition of the Senate and presidency.
The “Workers Deserve More” program proposes replacing America’s presidential system with a parliamentary government, eliminating the Senate and making the judiciary subordinate to Congress. It also demands the abolition of ICE, an end to all deportations, voting rights for noncitizens and cuts to the Department of War.
Rep. Ro Khanna said he opposed the proposal but admitted he had not read it. Rep. Ilhan Omar declined to respond, while Rep. Pete Aguilar said he could not comment because he was not a DSA member.
The platform is not merely theoretical. Candidates seeking the organization’s endorsement are expected to promote its program and align their campaigns with its demands.