Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE) and Don Beyer (D-VA) have introduced a bipartisan resolution aimed at reforming the disciplinary process in the U.S. House of Representatives. The proposed measure would increase the vote threshold required to censure, disapprove, or remove committee assignments from a simple majority to 60 percent.
This move comes as a response to what the lawmakers describe as a sharp rise in punitive resolutions within the House. In recent years, such actions have become more frequent compared to historical precedent.
“A U.S. House ruled by mob mentality cannot function. The institution and American people deserve better than what we’ve seen this week. The vast middle must stand up to the extremes and put commonsense safeguards in place,” said Rep. Bacon. “This resolution with Rep. Beyer, which requires a 60 percent threshold before the House can censure or penalize a Member, will force future censures to have bipartisan support, restore stability, protect the institution, and get the House back to working for the American people.”
Rep. Beyer added: “The process of censures and disciplinary measures in the House is broken, and all of us know it. These measures were historically reserved for rare and exceptional cases after a lengthy process that allowed time for investigations and due process, but that precedent has deteriorated. Our resolution would break the cycle of censures to help return focus in the House to solving problems for the American people.” He continued: “The proliferation of resolutions to punish our fellow Members with censure, disapproval, or the revocation of committee assignments has become unsustainable, to the point that they now impair our ability to work together to address serious issues. I fear this is inflicting lasting damage on this institution. Our legislation would implement desperately needed reform by creating a threshold high enough to require significant consensus between the parties that the process has been fair and that any wrongdoing rises to the level of punishment. I thank my colleague, Congressman Bacon, for working with me on this solution and urge my colleagues to support this measure and raise the level of sanity in the People’s House.”
According to Article I of the Constitution, each chamber sets its own rules regarding discipline among members. Historically during much of last century, censures were rare—only six times did they occur in 20th-century history—typically following ethics investigations revealing criminal activity or severe misconduct.
In contrast with past practice where discipline was uncommon, at least five resolutions targeting members were brought forward just this week alone; dozens more have appeared over this year.
Don Bacon currently serves as representative for Nebraska’s 2nd district in Congress since 2017 after succeeding Brad Ashford.
He was born in Momence, Illinois in 1963 and resides in Papillion.
Bacon graduated from Northern Illinois University with a BA in 1984 before earning another degree from University of Phoenix.
The resolution is supported by several other lawmakers from both parties.
