Washington, DC – A bid to censure New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver failed in the House on Thursday, sparing the freshman Democrat from immediate punishment by her colleagues even as she awaits trial on federal charges tied to a confrontation with immigration officers.
The House voted 215–207 to table the resolution, effectively blocking Republican efforts to formally censure McIver and remove her from a committee assignment. Lawmakers in both parties signaled unease with taking disciplinary action before the courts rule on her case, which is set for trial in November.
“The censure attempt against me has failed. Rightfully so. It was a baseless, partisan effort to shut me up. I was not elected to play political games—I was elected to serve. I won’t back down. Not now. Not ever,” McIver said after the failed vote, blocked by Republicans.
The charges stem from an incident outside a newly opened immigration detention facility in Newark, where McIver joined a congressional visit earlier this year. Prosecutors allege she assaulted and interfered with federal law enforcement officers during the encounter. McIver has pleaded not guilty.
Republicans argued that the charges alone warranted immediate congressional discipline. Democrats countered that the House should not act before McIver’s trial plays out in federal court.
McIver remains free on bond while awaiting trial. If convicted, she could face penalties that range from fines to prison time.
