President Andrew Jackson Censured By Congress

On this day in 1834, President Andrew Jackson became the first president to be censured by Congress.  Jackson refused to provide documents regarding his veto of a bill renewing the Bank of the United States.  Jackson vetoed the bill because he believed the bank favored the rich, eastern elites instead of encouraging development of the western frontier for the benefit of the common man.  Jackson’s nemesis on this issue was Henry Clay, whom Jackson defeated in the presidential election of 1832 but who continued to pester Jackson from the Senate.  Jackson ultimately prevailed in reforming the banking system.  When Jackson’s second term ended, Jackson said his only regret was not having shot Clay before leaving office.