Washington D.C. – Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) has publicly voiced significant national security concerns regarding two members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) who are poised to enter Congress, advocating for House leadership to prevent them from accessing sensitive intelligence. The Republican lawmaker, who represents New York City’s 11th congressional district, characterized the incoming representatives as "extreme, radical, and dangerous," asserting they "have no business being in the United States House of Representatives." Her apprehension primarily stems from their stated political platforms and past reports detailing the DSA’s alleged contacts with foreign entities, particularly the Chinese Communist Party (CPC).
Malliotakis’s concerns were directed specifically at Darializa Avila Chevalier and Assemblywoman Claire Valdez, both of whom secured unexpected primary victories this year in heavily Democratic districts within New York City. These wins have positioned them for near-certain election in November, highlighting a significant shift within the Democratic Party’s progressive wing. Chevalier notably unseated veteran Representative Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, in a district spanning Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx. Valdez, meanwhile, secured the open seat in Brooklyn and Queens currently held by retiring Representative Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.). Their victories underscore New York City’s emergence as a key battleground for ideological contests within the Democratic Party.
The Ideological Battleground and DSA’s Ascent
The Democratic Socialists of America, while not a political party in itself, functions as a prominent ideological force within the broader left-wing of American politics. Its membership has seen a substantial surge in recent years, particularly since the 2016 presidential election, becoming a significant organizing and electoral force, especially in urban centers. DSA-backed candidates often campaign on platforms advocating for sweeping systemic changes, which include, but are not limited to, Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, tuition-free public college, and substantial reforms to the criminal justice system.
The two incoming members, Chevalier and Valdez, have openly embraced key tenets of the DSA platform. Both have publicly called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a stance that aligns with a broader progressive movement advocating for dismantling federal immigration enforcement agencies. Furthermore, they have both described Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza as a "genocide," a position that starkly contrasts with the mainstream foreign policy of both the Democratic and Republican parties and has been a point of contention within the Democratic Party itself.
Malliotakis, in her critique, argued that such positions render the candidates "un-American" and indicative of a desire to "undermine the country." She specifically cited their support for policies often summarized as "no jails, no cops, no borders" as detrimental to national security and domestic stability. These phrases are often used by critics to characterize radical progressive proposals for police reform, decarceration, and immigration policy.
Call for House Leadership Intervention and Committee Restrictions
The congresswoman has directly appealed to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), urging him to scrutinize whether Chevalier and Valdez pose a genuine security risk to the nation. Her primary concern revolves around the potential for these individuals to gain access to classified information and sensitive intelligence as members of Congress. "These are the people that are going to have access to intelligence? I think [Speaker Mike Johnson] really needs to look at that and see if they’re a national security threat," Malliotakis stated.
If Republicans manage to retain their majority in the House of Representatives following the November elections, Malliotakis intends to press Speaker Johnson to restrict the committee assignments for Chevalier and Valdez. Congressional committee assignments are crucial as they determine a member’s influence over specific policy areas and their level of access to specialized information. Membership on committees such as Intelligence, Armed Services, or Foreign Affairs often entails access to highly classified material. "I do have a lot of concern about these members having access to sensitive information and intelligence that if put in the wrong hands, could be a detriment to our national security," she reiterated. The process for committee assignments typically involves party leadership, with the Speaker holding significant sway, especially for minority party members or those deemed controversial.
Background: DSA’s Alleged International Contacts
Malliotakis’s warning gains additional context from previous investigative reporting, particularly an article by Newsweek published earlier this year, which detailed alleged contacts between the DSA and officials from the Chinese Communist Party (CPC). The Newsweek report, citing internal DSA organizational records, suggested that certain DSA members have been "cultivating connections with Chinese Communist Party officials and agreeing to take pro-China positions."
According to the Newsweek investigation, minutes from DSA meetings revealed participants discussing engagements with China’s ruling party, framed under the banner of "anti-imperialism." The records reportedly indicated that some members advised against addressing topics sensitive to Beijing, such as China’s territorial claims over Taiwan, its crackdown on democratic freedoms in Hong Kong, and the severe human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang. These discussions also reportedly included plans for visits to China. While Chinese officials were not reported to have attended these specific DSA meetings, they allegedly met with DSA members in China and encouraged the establishment of further exchange programs.
A notable instance cited in the Newsweek report involved a New York-based political activist addressing an October 2025 meeting of the China Working Group of the DSA’s International Committee. The activist reportedly told the group, "China wants to interface with the DSA," and suggested that developing a "killer two-week itinerary," hiring local contacts, and fostering further connections with the CPC would be beneficial. These revelations have fueled concerns among critics about the potential for foreign influence within American political organizations and the implications for U.S. foreign policy and national security.
Broader DSA Platform and Systemic Critiques
Beyond specific policy positions and international contacts, the Democratic Socialists of America’s broader platform includes more radical proposals that critics like Malliotakis find deeply troubling. The organization has historically advocated for fundamental changes to the American political and economic system. This includes calls for replacing the U.S. Constitution with a new system, arguing that the current framework is inherently flawed and unable to address contemporary societal challenges. Additionally, the DSA has voiced support for abolishing prisons, the Supreme Court, and the police, advocating for alternative systems of justice, conflict resolution, and public safety. These proposals represent a significant departure from traditional American governance and are viewed by many, especially conservatives, as existential threats to the nation’s institutions.
The Process of Security Clearances and Committee Assignments
For any incoming member of Congress, the process of gaining security clearance and access to classified information is a standard, albeit rigorous, procedure. All members of Congress receive a basic level of security clearance by virtue of their office, which allows them access to certain classified briefings. However, higher levels of clearance, necessary for serving on sensitive committees like Intelligence, Armed Services, or Homeland Security, require extensive background checks conducted by federal agencies such as the FBI. These investigations delve into a candidate’s financial history, personal associations, foreign contacts, and any potential vulnerabilities that could make them susceptible to coercion or influence.
While political ideology is generally not a disqualifying factor in security clearance investigations in a democratic system, concerns about foreign allegiance, undue foreign influence, or an intent to undermine national security objectives could certainly be flagged. The ultimate decision on committee assignments rests with the leadership of each party, in consultation with the steering committees. The Speaker of the House, as the leader of the majority party, wields considerable power in this process, potentially able to influence which committees members are assigned to, or even if they receive any assignments at all to committees dealing with sensitive information.
Implications and Future Outlook
The controversy sparked by Rep. Malliotakis’s statements highlights several critical implications for American politics and national security:
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Intra-Party Conflict within the Democratic Party: The rise of DSA-backed candidates like Chevalier and Valdez underscores the growing ideological chasm within the Democratic Party. The progressive wing, advocating for transformative systemic changes, often clashes with the more centrist establishment Democrats. This dynamic could lead to increased internal friction, especially on issues of foreign policy, defense, and law enforcement, potentially complicating legislative efforts.
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National Security Debate: The debate over whether specific political ideologies or affiliations pose a national security risk could set a complex precedent. While the U.S. prides itself on freedom of speech and political association, the line where ideological dissent potentially becomes a security concern for elected officials with access to state secrets is a delicate one. This could prompt broader discussions within Congress and intelligence agencies about the vetting processes for elected officials.
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Foreign Relations and Influence: The Newsweek report regarding DSA’s alleged contacts with the Chinese Communist Party brings to the forefront concerns about foreign influence operations. Beijing has a documented history of seeking to cultivate relationships with foreign political actors to advance its interests. If confirmed, such engagements by American political organizations could raise questions about transparency, loyalty, and the potential for adversarial nations to exploit ideological common ground to gain intelligence or influence U.S. policy.
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Committee Assignment Battles: Should Republicans maintain the House majority, Malliotakis’s call for restricting committee assignments for these incoming DSA members could become a tangible political battle. Denying members access to key committees could limit their legislative effectiveness and send a strong political message, but it could also be perceived as an anti-democratic move by their constituents and allies.
As the November elections approach, the victories of Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez, combined with Rep. Malliotakis’s pointed warnings, signal a potentially turbulent period for the U.S. House of Representatives. The confluence of evolving political ideologies, national security considerations, and the intricate dance of congressional power promises to keep these issues at the forefront of political discourse. The ultimate decisions by House leadership on intelligence access and committee assignments for these new members will be closely watched, shaping not only their individual careers but also the broader trajectory of progressive influence in Washington.
