Public admonishment before the House is a very rare measure that has only been used five times since the early 1900s. It’s referred to as being “brought before the bar” in reference to a brass rail meant to bar strangers from entering the chamber.

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It’s unclear what consequences Firth could face should he decline to answer questions before the House. Monday’s motion suggests that the government operations committee will “consider” Firth’s testimony and " if necessary, recommend further action."

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