1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

The conduct exhibited during the recent congressional hearing was unacceptable and unbecoming of elected officials. Personal attacks and disruptive behavior undermine the integrity of these proceedings and erode public trust in our governing institutions. Regardless of political affiliations, all representatives have a duty to maintain decorum and engage in substantive discourse. Calls for censure highlight the severity of these transgressions and send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated. Robust debate is essential to democracy, but it must occur within the bounds of professionalism and mutual respect. A failure to adhere to these standards jeopardizes the democratic process itself.