Bill Summary
The resolution calls for the expulsion of Representative LaMonica McIver from the United States House of Representatives due to serious allegations involving her conduct at a federal immigration detention facility. On May 9, 2025, McIver unlawfully entered a secure area of Delaney Hall Federal Immigration Facility, where she attempted to obstruct federal law enforcement officers who were making a lawful arrest. The resolution outlines her actions, which included physical assaults on federal agents, captured on body cameras, and indicates that these actions constitute violations of federal law (specifically Title 18, Section 111(a)(1)).
The resolution argues that such behavior does not reflect the credibility expected from House members and cites a precedent for expulsion based on charges of criminal conduct, despite not being convicted. Ultimately, the resolution asserts that McIver's actions undermine public trust and accountability in the House, leading to the conclusion that she is unfit to serve and should be expelled from her position.
Possible Impacts
The expulsion of Representative LaMonica McIver from the United States House of Representatives, as detailed in the resolution, could have several significant impacts on various groups of people. Here are three examples:
1. **Constituents of LaMonica McIver**: The constituents whom McIver represented may experience a disruption in their representation. This could lead to a lack of advocacy for their interests, particularly if McIver had been a strong voice on issues important to her district. Constituents may feel disenfranchised or neglected, and they may need to rely on other representatives to address their concerns.
2. **Political Climate and Precedent Setting**: The expulsion sets a significant precedent in the political landscape regarding accountability and conduct of elected officials. This could serve as a deterrent for other representatives who may be tempted to engage in similar misconduct. Alternatively, it may also contribute to a more polarized political environment, where partisan divisions become more pronounced as members react to the expulsion, leading to potential retaliatory actions or increased scrutiny of political behavior.
3. **Public Trust in Government**: The expulsion, particularly following a charge of assault against federal officers, could impact public perception of Congress and government institutions. While some may view the expulsion as a necessary action to uphold integrity and accountability, others may see it as part of a broader trend of political corruption or elitism. This could either enhance or undermine public trust in legislative bodies, depending on the subsequent actions taken by the House and the overall response from the public and media.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 439 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 439
Providing for the expulsion of Representative LaMonica McIver from the
United States House of Representatives.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 21, 2025
Ms. Mace submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on Ethics
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Providing for the expulsion of Representative LaMonica McIver from the
United States House of Representatives.
Whereas Representative LaMonica McIver is a Member of the United States House of
Representatives;
Whereas on May 9, 2025, Representative LaMonica McIver arrived at Delaney Hall
Federal Immigration Facility in Essex County, New Jersey, a Federal
immigration detention facility operated by United States Immigration and
Customs Enforcement;
Whereas Representative LaMonica McIver entered a secure area of Delaney Hall
Federal Immigration Facility without authorization;
Whereas Representative LaMonica McIver attempted to prevent Federal law
enforcement officers from making a lawful arrest of another individual
who entered a secure area of Delaney Hall Federal Immigration Facility
without authorization;
Whereas Representative LaMonica McIver slammed her forearm into the body of a
uniformed Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent and attempted
to restrain the agent by forcibly grabbing the agent;
Whereas Representative LaMonica McIver pushed a United States Immigration and
Customs Enforcement Deportation Officer and used each of her forearms to
forcibly strike the officer;
Whereas this conduct by Representative LaMonica McIver was captured on video on
body cameras worn by Federal law enforcement and is undisputable;
Whereas clear and convincing evidence shows Representative LaMonica McIver made
multiple attempts to forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede,
intimidate, and interfere with Federal law enforcement agents in
violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1);
Whereas the United States Department of Justice has charged Representative
LaMonica McIver with two violations of Title 18, United States Code,
Section 111(a)(1), for forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing,
impeding, intimidating, and interfering with a person designated in
Title 18, United States Code, Section 1114;
Whereas clause 1 of Rule XXIII of the Rules of the United States House of
Representatives requires Members to ``behave at all times in a manner
that shall reflect credibility on the House'';
Whereas, a Member forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding,
intimidating, and interfering with Federal law enforcement, in violation
of Federal law, does not reflect credibility on the House;
Whereas on December 1, 2023, the House of Representatives set the precedent for
the expulsion of a Member who stands charged, but not convicted, of
criminal offenses by expelling former Representative George Santos prior
to any criminal conviction;
Whereas as a Member of the United States House of Representatives,
Representative LaMonica McIver must be held accountable to the highest
standards of conduct in order to safeguard the public's faith in this
institution;
Whereas the Constitution of the United States charges the House with policing
the behavior of its own Members, and the House should take action
against Representative LaMonica McIver commensurate with her violations
of Federal law and the Rules of the House;
Whereas given her egregious violations, Representative LaMonica McIver is not
fit to serve as a Member of the United States House of Representatives:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That pursuant to article I, section 5, clause 2 of the
Constitution of the United States, Representative LaMonica McIver, be,
and she hereby is, expelled from the United States House of
Representatives.
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