House conservatives are reigniting their efforts to impeach judges they accuse of undermining President Donald Trump’s agenda, following an endorsement from Speaker Mike Johnson. “I just spoke to him on the House floor, and he’s still in support, so we’re going to push to move forward on at least one,” Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee stated, revealing the momentum behind these renewed impeachment discussions.
The previous attempts at impeachment last year faltered when GOP leadership deemed the approach impractical. However, Johnson’s recent comments signal a shifting landscape. He expressed his support during a press conference, stating simply, “I’m for it.” This suggests a more aggressive stance from the Speaker against judges perceived as “activists” who act outside their judicial responsibilities.
One judiciary figure drawing particular ire is U.S. District Judge James Boasberg. His rulings on Trump’s immigration policies have made him a target for Republicans eager to challenge judicial influence over executive actions. Critics highlight Boasberg’s involvement in rulings that allowed for the seizure of certain lawmakers’ phone records in ongoing investigations related to Trump.
Rep. Brandon Gill from Texas, who has consistently advocated for Boasberg’s impeachment, acknowledged the potential for progress following Johnson’s public support. “I’m thrilled to see the speaker get on board. I think his leadership will be crucial in getting this passed,” Gill remarked, indicating optimism about the trajectory of the resolution.
Other lawmakers echo Gill’s enthusiasm. Rep. Andrew Clyde from Georgia reinforced his belief that Boasberg is among the most blatant judicial activists, saying, “That’s not why he was put on the bench.” Rep. Marlin Stutzman from Indiana emphasized Johnson’s legal background as a source of confidence among conservatives, asserting that the Speaker’s endorsement carries significant weight.
Yet, support within the Republican ranks is not unanimous. Some express skepticism about whether the impeachment effort can gain the necessary traction within the House. For instance, House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris questioned the viability of the impeachment initiatives moving through committee, suggesting the path forward is fraught with uncertainty.
On the other hand, House GOP Conference Vice Chair Blake Moore recognized the potential for impeachment as a constitutional power of Congress while also advocating for the more practical approach of Rep. Darrell Issa’s bill. Moore believes this legislation offers a substantive solution to address concerns about judicial overreach without resorting to impeachment rhetoric.
The outlook for the impeachment resolutions remains mixed. While some Republican members show readiness to pursue these measures vigorously, others call for caution and legislative creativity in addressing what they view as overreach in the judiciary. With ongoing discussions in play, the fate of these impeachment efforts will depend on a combination of political will and strategy among House conservatives.
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