House and Senate Rules of Conduct

And examples of misconduct

Constitutional Background for enforcement of rules of conduct

Article 1 Section 5 Clause 2 “Each House may determine the Rules of its

Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behavior, and, with the Concurrence of two-thirds, expel a Member.”

It is up to the members of Congress to discipline each other▪ This is the only branch that disciplines itself▪ Is this fair?

▪ Of course, if they break a law they can be charged criminally

Rules of Conduct

Congress devises their own rules of conduct

The rules were last updated in 2008

Less than 5% of Congress members have been charged with violating rules of conduct throughout our history

Rules

Never accept a gift that is linked to any official action you have taken▪ anything worth over $50▪ Courtesy gifts under $100 from foreign

dignitaries are acceptable▪Souvenirs…

Never ask for a gift from a person or organization that has business before Congress

You cannot be paid for a speech given in your capacity as a member of Congress

Rules

Cannot use staff money or Congressional property for campaigning / campaign purposes

Cannot use your position to gain favors

Cannot have a relationship with any of your staff members, any interns, or any pages

Campaign funds may not be used for personal expenses▪ Mortgage, household items, vacations…

Punishment

Members of Congress who commit a crime are punishable by law

Members who violate rules of conduct, that are not violating a criminal statue may face: Reprimand: a letter describing the infraction they

committed (simple majority vote) Censure: a public reading of the infractions they have

committed (simple majority vote) Expulsion: 2/3 vote to remove them from officeAccused members will have their case heard by a panel of

Congress members from their chamber (House or Senate) who suggest a punishment. Then all of the members of that chamber (House or Senate) vote on a punishment, or no punishment

Congress members who have faced punishment

Reprimand: Rep. Barney Frank 1990: fixing a parking

ticketCensure:

Rep. Charles Wrangle 2010: see articleExpulsion:

only 20 members have been expelled in our history

Rep. James Traficant 2002: accepted bribes▪ Also convicted in a court of law, sentenced to 7

years in prison

Research

Name: Where did they represent?: What they were accused of doing?