Censure in the House of Representatives
Censure in the House of Representatives is a formal, public, group condemnation of a members conduct, often carried out on the House floor. It is a way for the House to express deep disapproval of a members behavior. The censure process involves the Speaker of the House reading out a resolution rebuking the member for a specified misconduct, and the member must stand in the House well and listen to it. This process is essentially a form of public humiliation.
Censure is a formal statement of disapproval in the form of a resolution that is adopted by a majority vote. It is authorized by Article I, Section 5, clause 2 of the United States Constitution, which grants each house of Congress the power to "punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour". A censure does not remove a member from office, nor does it deny the member their rights or privileges. It is considered a more serious disciplinary action than a reprimand, but less severe than expulsion.
The House of Representatives has censured 23 of its members, including two former members who had resigned just prior to the Houses consideration of expulsion motions against them. When the House approves a censure measure with a majority vote, the member being censured must stand in the well of the House as the presiding officer reads the censure resolution aloud, serving as a form of public rebuke.
In summary, censure in the House of Representatives is a formal, public condemnation of a members conduct, expressing deep disapproval, and is carried out on the House floor. It is a disciplinary action that falls between a reprimand and expulsion, and it does not remove the member from office or deny them their rights or privileges.
