Washington (CNN) House Republicans are hoping to force a vote on the Green New Deal to put House Democrats on the record as to whether they support the sweeping and controversial proposal, though it's not clear the effort will gain traction as Democrats are expected to dismiss it as a political stunt.

House GOP Whip Steve Scalise said at a news conference Wednesday where House Republicans announced their plan that it's important to "contrast" the kind of energy policy that their party supports with "what Nancy Pelosi and her radical leftists are trying to do."

The concept of a Green New Deal has been championed by progressive party rising stars like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and embraced by Democratic 2020 contenders. But the Green New Deal, which calls for a national mobilization of resources to tackle global warming, hasn't been universally embraced by congressional Democrats, though the party is broadly united in calling for action to fight climate change.

Pushing for a vote gives House Republicans an opportunity to put a spotlight on a proposal that they believe divides Democrats.

Republican Rep. Jody Hice of Georgia plans to file a discharge petition in an attempt to bring the Green New Deal resolution to the House floor for a vote. A discharge petition is a procedural tool that can be used to force a floor vote, but only if a majority of House members sign on in support.

Read More