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Censure


Less severe than expulsion, a censure (sometimes referred to as condemnation or denouncement) does not remove a senator from office. It is a formal statement of disapproval, however, that can have a powerful psychological effect on a member and his/her relationships in the Senate. In 1834, the Senate censured President Andrew Jackson — the first and only time the Senate censured a president. Since 1789 the Senate has censured nine of its members.

United States Senate Censure Cases

Read more about censure and expulsion and see a list of expelled and censured Senators.


Historical Highlights

Senate Censures President, March 28, 1834

Senate Reverses Presidential Censure, January 16, 1837


Related Item

Interested in related materials? Take a look at this Virtual Reference Desk subject for more information.

Expulsion