Censuring Representative Andy Ogles.

Bill Number: H.Res. 576
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Congress
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-07-10: Referred to the House Committee on Ethics.
Last Updated: 2025-07-24T13:53:20Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (H. Res. 576) aims to formally censure Representative Andy Ogles for using racist and anti-Muslim rhetoric in public statements, which the resolution describes as demeaning, divisive, and contrary to the values of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Constitution. It seeks to uphold standards of conduct by condemning hate speech that targets individuals based on race, religion, or political beliefs.

Key Provisions

Censure of Representative Ogles: The resolution declares that Representative Andy Ogles is censured for his statements, including calling House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries a "Discount Dollar Store Obama" (mocking his identity as an African-American leader) and using derogatory terms like "little Muhammad" for New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim-American political candidate.
Procedural Requirements: Ogles must present himself in the "well" (the area in front of the Speaker's rostrum) of the House for the pronouncement of censure.
Public Reading: The Speaker of the House must publicly read the resolution as part of the censure.

The resolution lists "whereas" clauses detailing specific allegations, such as Ogles' calls for the deportation of Mamdani based on his religion and political views, and his abuse of office by urging the U.S. Attorney General to target a U.S. citizen for deportation.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a congressional resolution, not a statute, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It operates within the House's internal rules for discipline (under House Rule XXIII on official conduct) but does not amend broader U.S. law. Censure is a formal rebuke without legal penalties like fines or expulsion.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: It indirectly criticizes the potential misuse of the Department of Justice and immigration laws but imposes no direct requirements or changes on agencies like the Attorney General's office.
On Citizens: May heighten awareness of hate speech's dangers, potentially reducing harassment or threats against public officials and diverse communities, though it has no enforceable effect on private citizens.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but the resolution's emphasis on pluralism and anti-authoritarian values could reinforce U.S. commitments to democratic norms abroad.
Overall: Serves as a symbolic deterrent to inflammatory rhetoric in Congress, possibly influencing public discourse without altering legal rights.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Representative Andy Ogles: Directly censured, facing reputational damage and a formal record of rebuke in congressional history.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani: Named as targets of the alleged rhetoric; the resolution validates their experiences and condemns attacks on them.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives: All members are indirectly affected, as it reinforces House standards for conduct and could set precedents for future disciplinary actions.
Broader Communities: African-American, Muslim-American, and immigrant groups may benefit from the condemnation of targeted hate, while political candidates and naturalized citizens are highlighted as protected from viewpoint-based deportation threats.
Sponsors: Representatives Ritchie Torres, Yvette Clarke, Dan Goldman, and Adriano Espaillat (all Democrats from New York), who introduced the resolution.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Censure is a non-punitive House procedure (authorized by Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution, allowing each chamber to punish its members). It does not involve courts or violate free speech rights, as it targets official conduct rather than protected expression.
Constitutional: The resolution invokes the Constitution by arguing that targeting citizens for deportation based on political or religious views contradicts democratic principles and risks authoritarianism, emphasizing protections under the First Amendment (free speech and religion) and Fourteenth Amendment (equal protection).
Political: As a partisan measure (introduced by Democrats and referred to the House Ethics Committee), it could deepen congressional divisions but underscores the House's role in self-policing. If adopted, it would mark a public stain on Ogles' record, potentially affecting his political standing without barring him from office. The focus on hate speech raises ongoing debates about balancing civility in public service with free expression.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]

Recent Actions

2025-07-10: Referred to the House Committee on Ethics.
2025-07-10: Submitted in House
2025-07-10: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Censuring Representative Andy Ogles. — issued 2025-07-10 — PDF (3 pages)