And examples of misconduct

 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

 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

 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

 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…

 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 office Accused 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

 Reprimand:  Rep. Barney Frank 1990: fixing a parking ticket  Censure:  Rep. Charles Wrangle 2010: see article  Expulsion:  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

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