Rep. Scholten Statement on Censure of Colleagues

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-03) issued the below statement ahead of votes on motions to censure one Democratic colleague and one Republican colleague:

“This week, the House will vote on motions to censure two of my colleagues – a Democratic colleague from Michigan, and a Republican colleague from Florida.

As a constitutional attorney, I have always defended the right to freedom of speech and will continue to do so–despite my personal views of the words of others. The freedom of speech is foundational to our country and protected rigorously throughout the Constitution. It’s important to protect it when we agree with the speech being expressed, even more so when we disagree.

But, just as my colleagues facing censure have a right to express their views, I have a right to express mine, and I have—condemning anti-Semitism and Islamophobia alike when they rear their heads in our community and in Congress. Despite my strong disagreement with both of my colleagues’ statements, that is not a reason for censure.

I will be voting against these motions. I will continue to vote against these motions as they are brought against Republicans and Democrats alike. These censures are a waste of time and a distraction from the People’s business.

We have 10 days to pass a budget and avoid a shutdown—let’s get back to the work we were sent here to do.”