Jamaal Bowman was rightfully censured. Now, he should be the next member of Congress expelled
Christopher Tremoglie
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Finally, Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) has suffered congressional punishment for pulling a fire alarm before a House vote earlier this year.
Bowman claimed it was an honest mistake and done in error, but security video of the incident contradicted Bowman’s account of what happened. The House voted to censure the socialist congressman for his antics on Thursday. And while it was refreshing to see a Democrat held accountable for breaking the law for once, Bowman should suffer additional consequences, including being the next member of Congress expelled.
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The House voted to censure Bowman with a 214-191 vote. But his punishment should be more severe. This doesn’t really hold him accountable for his actions or negatively affect him in any significant way. Being censured is essentially only a symbolic move that is the congressional equivalent of a slap on the wrist that will soon be forgotten. And if you think otherwise, consider Bowman the third Democrat this year to be “publicly condemned by the House.” Name the others.
Earlier this month, former New York Republican Rep. George Santos became just the sixth member in the country’s history to be expelled by the House, with a 311-114 vote. Santos was not convicted of any crime, nor did he plead guilty to any crime as Bowman did. And while no logical person would spend time defending Santos, it should be pointed out that he was expelled because of suspected corruption. In contrast, Bowman actually confessed to breaking the law, even if he did not tell the truth regarding his actions.
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Moreover, if the case of Santos is the barometer for expulsion, then a congressman who pulls a fire alarm, tells a false account of what happened, and gets exposed by security footage for not telling the truth should also suffer a similar fate. Bowman is just as much of a fraud as Santos, arguably even more so.
George Santos was a liar and deceived many people. He was rightfully held accountable for his actions. However, Jamaal Bowman also lied, deceived people, and broke the law. If an ordinary person did what Bowman did, they would face much stricter penalties than just a misdemeanor charge and cash fine. And if government officials are truly not above the law, then Bowman should be held accountable with an appropriate punishment.