The House is back in business after a long absence during the shutdown . But since lawmakers returned to the Capitol, they have spent much of their time litigating efforts to punish members of the chamber rather than legislating.

Just this week, there have been multiple votes on measures to censure multiple lawmakers.

Censures, a means of formally reprimanding a lawmaker without going so far as to expel them, have historically been rare; in the 200 years after Congress first convened, only 22 House members were censured. But the measures have become increasingly common in recent years. Five House lawmakers were previously censured this decade, including one earlier this year. And one of the targets of this week’s efforts—Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia of Illinois—has now joined their number

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