House GOP leader shares resolution to censure Bowman for ‘dramatic effort to incite fear’
Republican Lawmaker Seeks to Censure Democrat for Fire Alarm Incident
Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI), secretary of the House Republican Conference, has proposed a resolution to censure Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) following an incident where Bowman pulled a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building. Many believe this was an attempt to delay a vote on a continuing resolution put forward by Republicans to fund the government.
The censure would result in Bowman being stripped of his committee assignments, including the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. It would also trigger an Ethics Committee investigation into his actions, according to a text obtained by the Washington Examiner.
“…the actions of Representative Bowman forced the evacuation of the Cannon House Office Building and disrupted the work of the Congress as a vote was underway on the floor of the House…”
McClain’s resolution reads. “…the interruption of official proceedings of Congress by pulling a fire alarm was a theatrical attempt to cause panic, therefore endangering the safety and well-being of Members of the House, of staff, and members of the public on the Capitol grounds.”
McClain, along with Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV), and Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI), has drafted the motion to censure Bowman, as reported by Reese Gorman of the Washington Examiner.
Expressing her opinion on Bowman’s actions, McClain took to X (formerly Twitter) and stated, “This is a felony, plain and simple. USCP had to waste resources investigating rather than actually keeping the Capitol safe. The House must hold Rep. Bowman accountable. Now.”
Bowman has denied any intentional wrongdoing, claiming that he pulled the fire alarm while rushing to make a vote, thinking it would open a door. The United States Capitol Police is currently investigating the incident.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has expressed his intention to discuss the incident with the Democratic Leader, emphasizing that it “should not go without punishment.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) reportedly spoke with Bowman, with the latter stating that Jeffries was ”supportive and understood it was a mistake.”
It is worth noting that Bowman could potentially face charges for three crimes, carrying a maximum sentence of nearly 36 years, in accordance with D.C. and federal laws.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
What are the potential penalties or disciplinary measures that Bowman may face as a result of the Ethics Committee investigation?
Xaminer.
The incident occurred on September 30th, just moments before a scheduled vote on the continuing resolution. As all members of Congress were gathered in the Cannon House Office Building, Bowman activated a fire alarm, causing panic and chaos among those present. The alarm forced an evacuation of the building, leading to a delay in the vote and disrupting the work of other lawmakers and staff.
Rep. McClain argues that Bowman’s actions were not only reckless and irresponsible but also a blatant attempt to obstruct the legislative process. By pulling the fire alarm, Bowman disrupted the proceedings and prevented the vote on the continuing resolution from taking place on time. This is not the behavior expected of a member of Congress and warrants serious consequences.
If the resolution to censure Bowman is passed, it would not only result in the loss of his committee assignments but also send a strong message to other lawmakers about the importance of upholding the integrity and dignity of the legislative process. The Ethics Committee investigation would further delve into Bowman’s actions and determine whether any additional penalties or disciplinary measures are necessary.
Some Democrats, however, have come to Bowman’s defense, arguing that his action was a last resort to bring attention to important issues being ignored by Republicans. They claim that the continuing resolution proposed by Republicans fails to adequately address the needs of the American people and that Bowman’s act of protest was justified in the face of such neglect.
While it is true that there may be disagreements among lawmakers on the effectiveness and appropriateness of certain policy proposals, resorting to disruptive and potentially dangerous actions is not the solution. Congress should be a place for civil discourse and respectful debate, not for childish and attention-seeking behavior.
The censure of Rep. Bowman would serve as a reminder to all members of Congress that their conduct and actions have consequences. It would emphasize the importance of upholding the values and principles that the American people expect their elected representatives to adhere to.
Furthermore, a censure would send a clear message to the American people that the legislative process is to be taken seriously and that attempts to undermine it will not be tolerated. It is crucial that lawmakers demonstrate a commitment to working together in a responsible and respectful manner, regardless of political differences.
In conclusion, the proposal to censure Rep. Jamaal Bowman for the fire alarm incident is a necessary step to uphold the integrity and dignity of the legislative process. Such disruptive and obstructive actions cannot be condoned, as they undermine the functioning of our democracy. It is essential that lawmakers are held accountable for their actions, and a censure would serve as a strong deterrent against future instances of misconduct.
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