Censure in Congress is a formal disciplinary measure that carries significant political and ethical weight. Unlike expulsion or impeachment, censure is a public reprimand meant to hold lawmakers accountable for misconduct. This blog post explores the meaning of censure, its implications, historical context, and recent high-profile cases, including the 2023 censure of Rep. Al Green and the role of figures like Jim Costa, Marie Glasnapp Perez, and others.
What Does It Mean to Censure a Congressman?
Censure is a formal statement of disapproval issued by the U.S. House of Representatives or Senate against a member. It does not remove the lawmaker from office or impose legal penalties but serves as a public condemnation of their actions. Grounds for censure include unethical behavior, misuse of funds, sexual misconduct, or remarks deemed offensive or unbecoming of a public official.
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Censure differs from reprimand (a less severe rebuke) and expulsion (removal from office, requiring a two-thirds vote). While censure has no legal consequences, it can damage a member’s reputation, influence their re-election prospects, and strain relationships with colleagues.
The Censure Process in Congress
The process for censuring a member varies slightly between the House and Senate but generally follows these steps:
Investigation : A committee (e.g., House Ethics Committee) investigates allegations.
Recommendation : The committee votes to recommend censure, reprimand, or other actions.
Floor Debate : The full chamber debates the resolution.
Vote : A simple majority (50% + 1) is required to pass a censure.
Public Announcement : The censure is formally read aloud in the chamber.
In the House, censured members traditionally stand in the well of the chamber while the resolution is read. The Senate does not have a standardized ritual but issues a formal statement.
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Historical Context of Congressional Censure
Censure dates back to 1834 when the Senate censured President Andrew Jackson for withholding documents related to the Bank of the United States. Notable examples include:
Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R-WI) : Censured in 1954 for abusive investigative tactics during the Red Scare.
Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) : Censured in 2010 for financial misconduct.
Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) : Reprimanded in 2007 for soliciting prostitution.
Over 30 House members and 10 Senators have been censured since 1789.
Recent Censure Cases
1. Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) – 2023
In July 2023, the House Ethics Committee recommended censure for Costa following allegations of sexual misconduct during a 2022 trip to Scotland. The censure resolution, approved by voice vote, highlighted his “failure to uphold the integrity of the House.”
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2. Rep. Al Green (D-TX) – 2023
On July 13, 2023, the House voted 218–216 to censure Green for remarks criticizing Israeli government policies, which some lawmakers deemed antisemitic. The vote revealed partisan divisions, with most Democrats opposing the motion. Notably, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) joined Republicans in supporting censure.
Which Democrats Voted to Censure Al Green?
Eight Democrats supported the resolution:
Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03)
Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06)
Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)
Jim Himes (CT-04)
Others included Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), and Shontel Brown (OH-11).
3. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) – 2021
Greene was stripped of committee assignments (a less formal punishment) after promoting conspiracy theories, but she avoided censure.
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Consequences of Being Censured
While censure lacks legal repercussions, its political and personal impacts are profound:
Public Shame : The formal rebuke is a stain on a member’s record.
Loss of Seniority : Censured members often lose leadership roles or committee assignments.
Electoral Risks : Constituents may view censured lawmakers as untrustworthy, affecting re-election bids.
Financial Costs : Legal fees and reduced fundraising potential can burden members.
FAQs on Congressional Censure
Q: What is a censure vote?
A: A censure vote is a formal process where the House or Senate approves a resolution condemning a member’s conduct.
Q: What happens when a senator is censured?
A: The Senate issues a public reprimand, but the member retains their seat. No senator has been expelled since the Civil War.
Q: Who is Dana Loesch’s connection to censure?
A: Conservative commentator Dana Loesch has criticized Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Al Green, calling for accountability but is not directly involved in congressional proceedings.
Q: How common is censure compared to expulsion?
A: Censure is rare (30+ House cases), while expulsion has only occurred 20 times, mostly during the Civil War.
Q: Can a censured member appeal?
A: No formal appeals process exists, but members may issue public apologies or contest the censure’s validity.
Conclusion
Censure in Congress is a powerful tool for enforcing ethical standards, though its impact is largely symbolic. Recent cases like the censures of Jim Costa and Al Green highlight its role in partisan politics and public accountability. While the process may not end careers, it underscores the importance of integrity in public service. As Congress evolves, censure remains a testament to the balance between discipline and democracy.