After weeks of disruption, the United States House of Representatives has finally elected Republican Representative Mike Johnson from Louisiana as the new House Speaker. With the return of a functioning House, lawmakers wasted no time in resuming their normal activities of attacking one another and engaging in contentious debates. Despite the House passing a measure to condemn Hamas and progressing through the annual energy and water spending bill, the real action unfolded as members sought revenge on their colleagues.
The House floor was immediately swept up in a flurry of resolutions to censure and potentially expel lawmakers. Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia introduced a special resolution to censure Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib from Michigan. Greene accused Tlaib of exhibiting hatred for America by blaming the country for the deaths of Palestinian babies and supporting an anti-Israel rally that took place in the United States Capitol complex. The resolution sparked heated debates and drew attention to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Not to be outdone, Democratic Representative Becca Balint from Vermont proposed censuring Greene for fanning the flames of racism, anti-Semitism, hate speech against the LGBTQ community, Islamophobia, Asian hate, xenophobia, and other forms of hate. Balint also criticized Greene for perpetuating conspiracy theories related to the January 6 attack on the Capitol.
Censure, a formal majority vote in the House disapproving of a member’s conduct, has seen an increase in frequency in recent years. However, expulsion remains a rare occurrence. Republican Representative Nicole Malliotakis from New York has been pushing for the expulsion of Democratic Representative Jamaal Bowman, who pulled a false fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building. Malliotakis argues that Bowman’s background as an elementary school teacher and principal should be considered in his punishment. While some Republicans support expulsion measures, others are cautious due to the narrow Republican majority in the House.
Another Republican representative, George Santos from New York, faces potential expulsion due to criminal charges, election fraud allegations, and deceptive campaign behavior. It remains uncertain if other Republicans would vote to expel Santos or if the House would directly vote on the expulsion measure. The possibility of tabling the resolution to avoid a tough vote on expulsion is being considered by some Republicans.
With the House back to business as usual, the return of Speaker Mike Johnson signals a renewed period of bitter partisan battles. Members are once again engaging in fierce debates and seeking retribution against their colleagues. As the House resumes its activities, the narrow majority and the political calculations involved in expulsion votes will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome.
Chad Pergram, a senior congressional correspondent for FOX News Channel, covers the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and other political content from Washington, D.C.
