House Republicans Clash Over Censure Resolutions

On a contentious night in the House of Representatives, Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) expressed her frustration after a resolution to censure Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands) was rejected. The resolution aimed to remove Plaskett from the House Intelligence Committee due to her consultation with Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 hearing. The vote concluded with 209 in favor and 214 against, with three Republicans—Reps. Don Bacon (Neb.), Lance Gooden (Texas), and Dave Joyce (Ohio)—joining all Democrats in opposition. Three additional Republicans voted present, including Reps. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), Dan Meuser (R-Pa.), and Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.).

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Boebert, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, was visibly agitated during the proceedings, yelling and wagging her finger at her Republican colleagues. Following the failed censure of Plaskett, Democrats opted not to pursue a censure against Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.), who has faced allegations of harassment from an ex-girlfriend. Mills has denied some of these accusations.

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Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) raised a parliamentary inquiry expressing her dissatisfaction with the situation, questioning why both Democratic and Republican leadership appeared to be making backroom deals to avoid addressing public corruption. Boebert supported Luna's remarks, indicating her alignment with the sentiment of accountability.

The Hill

Luna later stated, “I think that everything deserves a vote, and I don’t have double standards for justice,” emphasizing her belief in the necessity of a vote on the Mills censure resolution. Despite the tensions, Mills's office maintained that there was no agreement to block the Plaskett censure in exchange for halting the Mills resolution, asserting that they anticipated a procedural vote on Mills's censure.

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The failure to censure Plaskett has broader implications for the Republican Party, highlighting divisions within its ranks. The incident reflects ongoing tensions regarding accountability and transparency among members, as well as the challenges of navigating internal party dynamics.

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As the situation unfolds, the potential for future censure resolutions remains, with members like Luna advocating for votes on all matters of alleged misconduct. The House leadership's response to these internal conflicts will likely shape the party's direction and public perception in the coming months.

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• “I was wondering if the Speaker of the House of Representatives can explain why leadership on both sides, both Democrat and Republican, are cutting back-end deals to cover up public corruption in the House of Representatives for both Republican and Democrat members of Congress,” — Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.)

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• “Thank you very much, but I think the American people know what happened tonight,” — Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.)

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