I sent a short and pointed email to Tim Burchett asking him to explain how he could not vote to censure Gosar. The following is his response. I also sent a follow up email telling him he did not answer my question. I don't really expect to hear back to that one.

Here is his response. Dear Mr. @@@@@

Thank you for contacting me with your support for H.Res. 789, Censuring Representative Paul Gosar. It is an honor to serve in Washington on behalf of the Second District, and I appreciate your concern for ensuring members of Congress are held accountable for their speech and actions.

On November 9, 2021, an animated video was posted to Rep. Paul Gosar's (AZ-04) Twitter account portraying cartoon characters with the superimposed faces of several members of Congress attacking Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and President Joe Biden. I certainly understand your concerns associated with the implications of this video, and I share your belief that personal attacks are not how we bring about change in this country. As elected leaders, it is our duty to promote American values rather than spread division. You will be pleased to know that the video was removed from Rep. Gosar's account that afternoon.

As you know, on November 12, 2021, H.Res. 789, Censuring Representative Paul Gosar, was introduced by Rep. Jackie Speier (CA-14). This resolution censures Rep. Gosar and expresses the House's sense that Rep. Gosar's video furthers violence against elected officials. Additionally, this resolution also removes Rep. Gosar from his committee assignments, which is a historically extreme punitive measure, often used against members who have engaged in criminal activity or for politically motivated purposes. While I certainly understand your interest in ensuring members of Congress act with integrity, I am concerned that stripping Rep. Gosar of his committee assignments goes too far and is political in nature. You will be pleased to know that H.R. 789 was passed on November 17, 2021. Rest assured I will remember your comments as I continue to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Please let me know if I may assist you with any issues in the future.

Sincerely,

Rep. Tim Burchett
Member of Congress