Dems are concerned that Republicans could start issuing their own censure motions.
House Democrats are grappling with whether to take the rare step of censuring Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) after the House Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to condemn the controversial lawmaker.
Some rank-and-file members are eager to more severely punish King for making racist remarks and defending white supremacy in an interview with The New York Times. Reps. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) and Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) have introduced separate censure motions as “privileged” resolutions, meaning either lawmaker could force floor votes on Wednesday. But some Democratic leaders are hesitant.
Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S. C.) huddled with the duo Tuesday night to talk about a path forward, and discussions were still underway on Wednesday. Ryan’s version of the censure resolution is far more narrow and could likely pick up more support than Rush’s motion, which compares King to a “rabid” animal.
“I understand Bobby Rush’s feelings. Bobby is a very good friend. We talk often. We discussed this at length before the vote. And we have discussed it since the vote.
