House Ethics Committee Drops Investigation into Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s Fire Alarm Incident
Background: The Capitol Fire Alarm Incident
On September 30, 2023, Representative Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) triggered a fire alarm in the Capitol complex during a Saturday session of the House of Representatives. This incident transpired as the House deliberated on a bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown. Congressman Bowman maintains that he had no intention of activating the alarm and that his attempt to open a locked door caused the alarm’s activation. In October, he pleaded guilty to causing the alarm in D.C. Superior Court, resulting in a $1,000 fine and a requirement to write a formal apology to the U.S. Capitol Police chief.
House Censure of Bowman
In December 2023, the House voted to censure Representative Bowman for his involvement in the fire alarm incident. The censure resolution passed with a vote of 214-191, with three Democrats joining almost all Republicans in supporting the measure. Congressman Bowman expressed his belief that the censure was a politically motivated attempt to discredit him and his work in Congress.
Ethics Committee Review and Decision
Considering the House’s censure of Representative Bowman, the House Ethics Committee concluded not to pursue a separate investigation into the matter. Committee Chairman Michael Guest (R-MS) and ranking member Representative Susan Wild (D-PA) released a statement indicating that further review of Congressman Bowman’s conduct would be moot given the House’s official censure. The committee also confirmed that Congressman Bowman had complied with the terms of his deferred sentencing agreement.
Bowman’s Response
Congressman Bowman’s office did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment regarding the Ethics Committee’s decision. However, in a letter addressed to his colleagues prior to the censure vote, he expressed regret for the fire alarm incident, emphasizing that he did not intend to cause any disruption. Additionally, he criticized the censure resolution as a partisan attempt to undermine his work in Congress.
Conclusion
The House Ethics Committee’s decision to discontinue its investigation into Congressman Bowman’s fire alarm incident brings an end to the formal congressional review of the matter. While the censure resolution passed by the House remains in effect, the Ethics Committee’s decision not to pursue further action suggests that the incident is now considered closed from an ethical standpoint.