House Censures Dem Rep. Jamaal Bowman for Pulling Fire Alarm

Bowman Accused of Disrupting House Proceedings

WASHINGTON, DC - The House of Representatives voted on Thursday to censure Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York for pulling a fire alarm in a House office building. The vote was 219-208, with all Republicans and 8 Democrats voting in favor of the resolution.

Resolution Cites Bowman's "Disruptive Behavior"

The resolution, introduced by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), accused Bowman of "disruptive behavior" and "willful disregard for the safety and security of his colleagues and staff." It alleged that Bowman pulled the fire alarm on June 14, 2023, in an attempt to disrupt a Republican-led press conference.

Bowman Denies Wrongdoing, Calls Resolution "Political Stunt"

Bowman has denied any wrongdoing, claiming he pulled the alarm because he smelled smoke. He has called the resolution a "political stunt" designed to silence him.

Conclusion

The censure is the latest in a series of partisan punishments handed down by the House. It is a sign of the deep political divide in Congress and the difficulty in finding common ground on even the most basic matters.