House of Representatives to Vote on Censure of Democratic Representative Jamaal Bowman of New York

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on Thursday to censure Democratic Representative Jamaal Bowman of New York. Bowman was charged with a misdemeanor for falsely pulling a fire alarm in a Capitol Hill office building earlier this year. The resolution was introduced by Republican Representative Lisa McClain of Michigan, and if it passes, Bowman will become the third Democratic House member to be admonished this year.

Bowman pleaded guilty in October to the misdemeanor charge for activating the fire alarm, which led to the evacuation of the office building before a last-minute vote to fund the government. Bowman defended himself during floor debate on Wednesday, saying “It’s painfully obvious to myself, my colleagues and the American people that the Republican Party is deeply unserious and unable to legislate.”

Censure is a punishment one step below expulsion from the House, and Bowman is one of several Democrats who have been critical of Israel and faced new political challenges. The vote to censure Bowman comes as the House is debating a resolution to condemn anti-Semitism and other forms of hate.

The vote on Thursday will be a test of the House’s ability to handle a difficult situation. It is unclear how the vote will turn out, but it is likely to be a close one. Regardless of the outcome, the vote will be an important moment in the House’s history.