Resolutions Censuring the President: History and Context, 1st-114th Congresses Page: 2 of 3
This report is part of the collection entitled: Congressional Research Service Reports and was provided to UNT Digital Library by the UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Isaac Toucey awarded contracts based on "party relations." By doing so, the resolution stated, they deserved the
"reproof of this House." However, the fifth resolution, targeting just Toucey, used the word censured to condemn
the Secretary's actions. Thus, it could be argued that the House chose a weaker reprimand for the President.
* 3. Abraham Lincoln (1864). In 1864, the Senate considered a resolution reprimanding President Lincoln for re-
commissioning two former generals without seeking the chamber's approval. The original measure stated that the
arrangement "was in derogation of the Constitution of the United States, and not within the power of the
President" to make. As adopted, however, the amended resolution no longer referred to the President. Instead, it
affirmed that an officer must be re-appointed "in the manner provided by the Constitution."
* 4. William Howard Taft (1912). In 1912, President Taft was accused of trying to influence a disputed Senate
election. The Senate responded with a resolution that "condemned" any presidential attempt to control the seating
of Senators, an act that "violates the spirit, if not the letter, of the Constitution." However, the Senate modified the
measure, changing violates to would violate. The resolution thus applied to Presidents in general and not
specifically to Taft's past behavior.
Censure Attempts, 1st-91st Congresses (No Resolution Adopted)
Between 1800 and 1952, at least three Presidents were the subject of critical resolutions that were not adopted. One
President had his actions condemned with an amendment, while another received harsh criticism via a House committee
report.
" John Adams (1800). The House charged the President with interfering in judicial proceedings. According to the
third of three censure resolutions, President Adams's conduct sacrificed the "Constitutional independence of the
Judicial power, and expose[d] the administration thereof to suspicion and reproach." The resolutions were
defeated in the Committee of the Whole.
" John Tyler (1842). A House select committee issued a report condemning the President for repeated and "abusive
exercise" of the executive veto. The House adopted the report but did not approve any censure resolutions. Still,
the report itself may be considered a presidential censure. Tyler sent an official protest to the House, which was
not recognized.
" James K. Polk (1848). As the House considered a resolution congratulating Generals Zachary Taylor and
Winfield Scott for their military service during the Mexican-American War, the chamber voted to add the phrase
in a war unnecessarily and unconstitutionally begun by the President. The amendment passed, but the original
resolution was never adopted. The House later adopted another resolution in praise of the generals, and this one
included no criticism of Polk or the war.
" Ulysses S. Grant (1871). Nine months after the Senate defeated a treaty that would have annexed the Dominican
Republic, President Grant deployed naval ships along the Dominican coast. Senator Charles Sumner introduced a
resolution that called the action "an infraction of the Constitution of the United States and a usurpation of power
not conferred upon the president." The Senate tabled the resolution.
" Harry S. Truman (1952). The attempt to censure President Truman followed a major steel worker strike.
H.Con.Res. 207 (82nd Congress) condemned the President's seizure of steel-producing facilities "without
authority in law." As a concurrent resolution, it required the agreement of both houses of Congress, but it never
received floor consideration.
Censure Attempts, 92nd-114th Congresses (No Resolution Adopted)
Richard Nixon's controversial terms in office marked a new period in presidential censures. Since 1972, several
Presidents have been subject to multiple censure attempts. Most resolutions have used variations of the phrase censure
and condemn or, in reference to Presidents Nixon and Clinton, called for the President's resignation. In all cases, though,
the resolutions have been referred to committee with no further action. Information on resolutions dated since 1973 is
available from Congress.gov.
Richard M. Nixon (1972/1973/1974) (92"d Congress: H.Con.Res. 500; 93rd Congress: H.Con.Res. 365, H.Con.Res.
3_71, H.Res. 684, H.Con.Res. 376, H.Res. 734, H.Res. 1288, H.Con.Res. 589). H.Con.Res. 500 cited the President's
failure to withdraw American troops as directed by the "Mansfield Amendment." All other resolutions related to the
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This report can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Report.
Hudiberg, Jane A. Resolutions Censuring the President: History and Context, 1st-114th Congresses, report, September 14, 2017; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1042209/m1/2/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.