House Democrats are preparing a formal effort to censure two Republican lawmakers over a series of social media posts widely condemned as Islamophobic, a move that is expected to intensify political pressure on Mike Johnson, who has declined to directly condemn the remarks.

Democratic leaders are coordinating with rank-and-file members to pursue censure resolutions against Randy Fine and Andy Ogles, citing several recent posts targeting Muslims. The effort comes amid heightened tensions on Capitol Hill following recent violent incidents in Michigan and Virginia.

Fine sparked outrage Thursday with a message posted on X, writing that the country needed “more Islamophobia, not less,” and claiming that “fear of Islam is rational.” Ogles previously wrote on social media that “Muslims don’t belong in American society.”

The statements drew swift condemnation from Democratic lawmakers, who argue the rhetoric promotes religious discrimination and inflames divisions.

Johnson, however, declined earlier this week to directly rebuke Ogles’ remarks when questioned by reporters during a House Republican retreat. Instead, the speaker defended lawmakers’ right to express concerns about what he described as the “imposition of Sharia law.”

While Johnson said he personally would not have used the same language, he argued that worries about Sharia law influencing American institutions are legitimate. He added that he had privately spoken with both lawmakers about their tone and messaging.

“When individuals come to this country and seek not to assimilate but to impose Sharia law, that is the issue people are talking about,” Johnson told reporters at a press conference.

Neither Ogles nor Fine made distinctions between Muslims as a religious group and the concept of Sharia law in their posts, a point critics say underscores the broader problem with the statements. Democrats say the planned censure effort is intended to hold the lawmakers accountable and reaffirm the House’s opposition to religious discrimination.