In American politics, lawmakers are expected to follow ethical rules. When they break those rules, Congress can take action to show disapproval. One way to do this is through censure—a formal statement that criticizes a member for their actions.
While censure does not remove someone from office, it can hurt their reputation, affect their career, and create political drama.
Recently, several members of Congress, like Paul Gosar, Adam Schiff, and Al Green, have been censured. This shows that censure is becoming more common in today’s divided political world. But what does censure actually mean? How does it work? And why does it matter? Let’s take a closer look.
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What Is Censure in Congress?
Censure is an official way for Congress to express disapproval of a member’s behavior. It is a public reprimand for unethical or inappropriate actions. However, unlike expulsion, which removes someone from Congress, censure only serves as a warning. Still, being censured can seriously damage a politician’s reputation and influence.
How Does Censure Work in Congress?
The process of censure usually follows these steps:
- Investigation – A congressional committee, such as the House or Senate Ethics Committee, looks into allegations of misconduct.
- Resolution Proposal – If misconduct is found, a resolution to censure the member is introduced.
- Debate and Vote – Members of Congress discuss the resolution and vote on it. A simple majority is needed for censure to pass.
- Public Statement – If the resolution passes, the censured lawmaker is officially reprimanded, often by having the censure read aloud in Congress.
How Is Censure Different from Expulsion and Impeachment?
- Censure – A public statement of disapproval, but the person remains in office.
- Expulsion – Requires a two-thirds vote and removes a member from Congress.
- Impeachment – A process used to charge the President, Vice President, or other federal officials with wrongdoing. It starts in the House and can lead to a trial in the Senate.
Recent Examples of Censure in Congress
Censure has been used more frequently in recent years, often in response to controversial actions. Here are some well-known cases:
- Paul Gosar (2021) – Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ) was censured for sharing an animated video that appeared to promote violence against another lawmaker and President Biden. As a result, he lost his committee positions.
- Adam Schiff (2023) – Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) was censured for his role in investigating former President Donald Trump. The vote was divided along party lines, showing how censure is sometimes used as a political tool.
- Al Green (2025) – Representative Al Green (D-TX) was censured for taking part in a protest against former President Trump. The Republican-led House argued that his actions disrupted proceedings. This sparked a debate about how far elected officials can go in expressing their views. Read More
Other Recent Cases
- Rashida Tlaib (2023) – Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the only Palestinian American in Congress, was censured for her comments about the Israel-Hamas conflict. Her use of a controversial slogan was viewed by some as promoting antisemitic sentiments, leading to a 234-188 vote in favor of censure. (AP News)
- Marjorie Taylor Greene (2021) – Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) was censured for spreading conspiracy theories and making violent statements about Democratic lawmakers. This led to her removal from committee assignments. (CNN)
- Maxine Waters (2021) – Some members of Congress attempted to censure Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) for comments made about protests, though the effort failed to pass. (CNN)
- Kevin McCarthy (2024) – Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) faced a censure resolution for allegedly retaliating against members who voted against his leadership. Though the resolution failed, it showed how censure is increasingly used in political fights. (AP NEWS)
What Happens After a Censure?
Even though censure does not remove someone from office, it can have serious consequences:
- Harm to Reputation – The public rebuke can damage a politician’s credibility.
- Loss of Influence – A censured lawmaker may lose leadership roles or committee assignments.
- Election Challenges – Voters may see a censure as proof of wrongdoing, making reelection more difficult.
- Political Weaponization – In today’s political climate, censure is sometimes used more as a tool for attacking opponents than as a true disciplinary action.
Conclusion: Does Censure Matter?
Censure is an important way for Congress to show disapproval of unethical behavior, but its impact depends on the situation. While it serves as a warning, it does not always change a lawmaker’s behavior. In a highly divided Congress, censure is often used for political purposes as much as for discipline. As politics continue to evolve, expect to see more debates about whether censure is being used fairly or just as another tool in partisan battles.
