Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.es258 - Censuring Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.Res.258 is a resolution to censure Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas. The resolution cites remarks made by Representative Crockett at a Human Rights Campaign event and during a Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing as reasons for the censure. The resolution calls for Representative Crockett to present herself in the well of the House for the pronouncement of censure and for the public reading of the resolution by the Speaker.

Expected Effects

If passed, Representative Crockett would be formally censured by the House of Representatives. This action carries a symbolic weight and could impact her standing within the House. It does not, however, remove her from office or prevent her from voting.

Potential Benefits

  • Potentially upholds standards of decorum in the House of Representatives.
  • Could deter future inappropriate comments by members of Congress.
  • May reassure constituents who find the alleged remarks offensive.
  • Could reinforce the importance of respectful discourse in political settings.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Could be perceived as a partisan action, further dividing the House.
  • May be seen as an attempt to silence dissenting voices or opinions.
  • Could set a precedent for censuring members for relatively minor offenses.
  • May distract from more pressing legislative matters.
  • Could be viewed as a violation of free speech, even within the context of Congress.

Constitutional Alignment

The resolution raises questions regarding the balance between free speech (Amendment I) and the power of the House to maintain order and decorum. While the Constitution grants Congress the power to determine its rules of proceedings (Article I, Section 5), this power is not unlimited and must be balanced against the principles of free expression. The vagueness of what constitutes "unbecoming" conduct could lead to selective enforcement and potential chilling effects on speech.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).