body: I was astonished by the news that Warren was silenced by the Senate for "impugning a senator" because in my eyes the rule itself seems to conflict with democratic principles of the USA as well as the 1st amendment. It seems incredible that:
  
  
  1) A rule that prevents criticism of politicians during political debates in Senate because that would allow the majority to prevent minority from criticizing majority, therefor cementing perpetual rule by the current majority. In particular, this rule would prevent quite rightful impugning of senator MacCarthy in 1950s.
  
  
  2) A rule that dictates what somebody can or cannot say about the conduct of a public person seems to violate the 1st amendment.
  
  
  Can anybody clarify how this rule can even exist?
  
  
  
title: Is the Senate rule against "impugning a senator" constitutional?