The lack of expulsions historically has reflected an understanding that the use of this power can lead to a type of expulsion compulsion. Particularly in the House where members stand for office every two years, the voters are more than capable of determining whether scandals should disqualify a member from serving further. Rep. Gaetz was reelected despite the allegations against him, and he has not been charged with a crime.

The evidence and the need for an expulsion should be overwhelming for the choice of voters to be negated by the body of the whole. In Bowman’s case, the criminal act is captured on videotape, but it is also likely a misdemeanor. Given the relatively minor offense, this would seem a matter better addressed through a House censure and other in-house consequences.

[Only if the House wants to incentivize more of this. Turley notes that this is a crime, and it was clearly done to obstruct Congress — a charge that the DoJ has prosecuted against scores of American over the January 6 riot. Why should Bowman get a pass on committing a crime when Democrats have demanded prison terms for many people whose only action was wandering through the Capitol? — Ed]