In the latest sign of frustration over frequent censures and other punishment attempts in the House, California Democratic Rep. Katie Porter is proposing a rule change aimed at ending the partisan tit for tat.
Porter on Friday introduced legislation that would change House rules around privileged resolutions, the procedural maneuver many members have used this Congress to force votes on rebuking their colleagues. Porter’s proposal would allow resolutions to be privileged, a distinction that can trigger floor action within two days, only if they’re based on conduct that a committee has investigated or if they’re offered at the direction of a party caucus or conference.
The measure would apply to privileged resolutions to censure, reprimand or expel a member, resolutions to vacate the speakership and resolutions to impeach government officials.
