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Legislative Administration committee recommends censure for Representative Travis Cochran after hearing testimony
Summary
After testimony and a caucus, the committee voted 10–2 to recommend censure of Representative Travis Cochran for social‑media remarks described by members as antisemitic and harmful; members debated reprimand, censure and expulsion and heard emotional testimony from colleagues and the public.
The Legislative Administration committee recommended a censure for Representative Travis Cochran following a lengthy executive session and public hearing. After debate and a brief caucus, the panel voted 10–2 to send a committee report to the House recommending censure.
The chair opened an executive session focused on two social‑media posts at issue and moved a reprimand; Representative Nader seconded. Members raised questions about the appropriate venue, precedent and the meaning of reprimand, censure and expulsion. Paul Smith, clerk of the House, told the committee a reprimand is journalized while “a censure is a more formal rebuke” that historically has involved asking the member to present themselves at the well of the House.
Representative Nader delivered a personal statement about ties to Holocaust history and the Jewish community, saying she was torn but that the remarks in question “echoed language historically associated with genocide” and that she would support reprimand or censure but not expulsion. Other members argued reprimand would be insufficient. Representative White said, “I don’t think he’s gonna change his behavior if we reprimand,” and urged censure; Representative Wong said the member had violated public trust and supported stronger discipline. Representative German said the member refused to participate in meetings with leadership and that his testimony—calling the remarks a joke—was untruthful.
After a caucus, Representative Sheehan moved a censure motion that Representative Wall seconded. The clerk called the roll; the chair announced the result as 10 yeas and 2 nays. The committee decided not to place the matter on consent and will forward its report and recommendation to the full House for consideration. The committee recorded that its recommendation is advisory and that the full House may consider other motions on the floor, including reprimand, censure or expulsion.
The chair closed the committee’s business for the year and thanked researchers and staff.
