As the U.S. House of Representatives reconvened after a lengthy recess, Speaker Mike Johnson's vision of a productive legislative session quickly descended into a flurry of personal attacks and censure votes, raising serious concerns about the functionality of the institution. Despite Johnson's efforts to increase working hours and catch up on legislative duties, the House found itself mired in internal conflicts, with members from both sides of the aisle targeting each other.

The week saw a series of rebukes that crossed party lines, leading to frustration among lawmakers. Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) expressed his disappointment, noting, "The only thing we can apparently do is condemn each other," highlighting the low point the House has reached.

Efforts to censure members such as Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-Ill.) and Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.) consumed significant floor time but yielded mixed results. While Garcia's censure passed, Plaskett's did not, thanks in part to a determined group of lawmakers intent on halting the cycle of retaliatory actions.

In response to the increasing regularity of such motions, Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Don Beyer (D-Va.) have proposed a change to House rules. Their proposal would require a 60 percent majority to approve censures or remove members from committees, a significant increase from the current simple majority. This measure aims to protect the integrity of the House and refocus its members on national issues rather than internal disputes.

Both House Speaker Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have shown openness to discussing these rule changes, signaling a potential shift towards more stringent censure requirements.

The House also dealt with more severe cases, including an effort to sideline Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), who faces federal fraud charges. Unlike the immediate disciplinary actions seen in other cases, Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) suggested waiting for the Ethics Committee's report before proceeding, indicating a preference for a more traditional and deliberative process.

This tumultuous period highlights a broader issue within the House, where censure has shifted from a rare disciplinary action to a frequent tool wielded for political gain. As censure becomes a common occurrence, it risks undermining the seriousness of the process and the overall efficacy of the House.

Lawmakers like Bacon, who played a key role in defending Plaskett, emphasize the need for restraint and caution to prevent what he describes as a "doom spiral of retribution." With increasing calls for reform, the House stands at a crossroads, facing the challenge of balancing effective governance with the need for accountability. The coming weeks will likely be crucial in determining whether these proposed changes can restore a sense of decorum and purpose to the chamber.