"Rep. Justin Jones Takes Legal Action Against Tennessee House Speaker for Unconstitutional Expulsion"

Tennessee Democratic Rep. Justin Jones has filed a federal lawsuit challenging his expulsion from the state House in April and the House rules that restrict lawmakers' floor comments. Jones argues that Republicans violated his free speech rights by repeatedly blocking him from speaking during debates and infringed upon his constitutional due process rights during the expulsion proceedings. The lawsuit seeks to have the expulsion and House rules declared unconstitutional, restore Jones' benefits and seniority, and award damages and costs. Republicans defended the expulsions as necessary to maintain order and promote civility, respect, and accountability.