'Have nothing better to do': Hakeem Jeffries slams Republicans for fixating on censures as House debates Jamaal Bowman case

WASHINGTON, DC: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries defended Rep Jamaal Bowman against a GOP censure resolution. Bowman faced criticism for triggering a fire alarm in the House Office Building in September, just before a crucial vote to avert a government shutdown.

Jeffries spoke on the House Floor, voicing his opposition to the attempts to censure Bowman despite the latter's apology. He criticized the Republican-led proceedings as a "censure resolution" and demanded to "censure" him next.

"Going after Democrats repeatedly, week after week after week, because you have nothing better to do. Then I volunteer, censure me next. Censure me next. That's how worthless your censure effort. It has no credibility. No integrity. No legitimacy. Censure me next."

"And I'll take that censure, and I'll wear it next week, next month, next year as a badge of honor. Go home, sleep well and say to myself and say today was a good day. I yield back," he added.

What is a censure resolution?

According to the US Senate website, censure is "a formal statement of disapproval in the form of a resolution that is adopted by majority vote."

Though the term 'censure' is not found in the Constitution, it is based on Article I, section 5 of the United States Constitution, which gives each House the right to "punish its members for disorderly behavior."

Recently, the House censured Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American lawmaker, for "promoting false narratives" about Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7 and "calling for the destruction of the state of Israel." 

GOP-led resolution to censure Jamaal Bowman

Republican Rep Lisa McClain of Michigan proposed the resolution to censure Bowman for pulling the fire alarm when there was no emergency, reported CNN.

"Actions must be met with consequences. Rep. Bowman pulling a fire alarm to curtail an act of Congress was unacceptable and against the law. For that, he must stand before Congress and accept Censure," she said on X.

The House voted on December 6, and the final vote on whether to pass the resolution or not is expected to take place on December 7.

The move comes less than a week after the House expelled GOP Rep George Santos of New York in a historic vote over the accusation of financial misleading.

Netizens applauds Hakeem Jeffries

The internet is full of praise for Hakeem Jeffries for defending his fellow Congressman and volunteering himself to get censured by the GOP. Many added that they wish to see him as the next House Speaker.

One user said, "Man I want to see this guy as Majority Leader soon. He will get things done!!"

Another user said, "Hakeem Jeffries is so good at dog walking the GOP. Can’t wait until he’s speaker!"

"Pass the gavel already. This man rocks. Speaker @RepJeffries. Yes!," one user remarked.

Another reaction read, "Good for him! He’s absolutely right. His whole speech was bang on. MAGA is an embarrassment."

"@RepJeffries is a great leader. The more I see of him, the more impressed I am," added one more user.

One user noted, "I see him being President at some point. He's an awesome MOC. We need more like him."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.