House censures Rep. Jamaal Bowman for pulling fire alarm

Three Democrats joined a majority of Republicans to support the censure Thursday morning. Four other Democrats voted present, opting not to oppose the motion. After the vote, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., called Bowman into the well—the space between the podium and the members’ seating—to receive an admonition from the House. Bowman pleaded guilty in October to falsely pulling a fire alarm in a Congressional office building while he was on his way to a floor vote.

What does the censure change? Censure does not carry with it any penalties limiting lawmakers’ ability to participate in the House’s routine business. Bowman, who represents New York, is the third Democratic lawmaker House Republicans have censured since gaining the majority in the chamber. Republicans have also censured Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich. Former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., was expelled by a bipartisan vote on Dec. 1.

Dig deeper: Read Leo Briceno’s report in The Stew about Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s departure from the House after being ousted from his position as Speaker of the House.