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house Bill H. Res. 660

Should the House Formalize a Process for its Impeachment Inquiry Targeting President Trump?

Argument in favor

This resolution outlines a fair and transparent process for the House of Representatives to carry out its impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump.

Skylor's Opinion
···
10/31/2019
I don’t believe the word “Targeted” should be used or is it appropriate. To be targeted, sends a misdirected subtle idea that he is being attacked. President Trump is not being attacked, he is merely experiencing an unpleasant, but necessary spoke in the wheel of our government. The checks and balances system. If there was nothing done outside of a presidents rights and dutiful tasks, illegal or immoral, then he should keep his position. Release it all. Then the public will know everything and he will be cleared of any wrong doing and be able to move on with this November’s election and potentially another 4 years.
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jimK's Opinion
···
10/31/2019
The House process as outlined does not ‘target’ President trump. It is put together to review evidence regarding the possible impeachment of trump. The Senate will have the job of criminally convicting him and removing him from office- with full representation and counter arguing attorneys. The procedures being followed are exactly what the Republican House had passed recently and if they vary at all from past practice, it is because the Republicans designed the process which is now being carefully followed. So shut up already; Stop the whining. Find some relevant facts to argue about. A great quote from someone whose name I forgot was: ‘if you have solid facts, you loudly pound them out to make your case. If you don’t have solid facts, you pound on the details of the process. If you have neither, you loudly pound on the table.’ There is going to be a lot of table pounding ahead. Full speed ahead! Go! Let’s show the world that there is still some integrity left in our country’s leadership. I am tired of the world rightfully laughing at our country for our leadership’s lack of ethics and ineptitude at being unable to reign-in an out-of-control and dangerous administration.
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Al's Opinion
···
10/31/2019
The Voters will watch what is done. I expect my Senators and Representative to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign or domestic or from THEIR OWN PARTY. I expect them to put country over party.
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Argument opposed

This resolution doesn’t go far enough to enable full participation by minority members of committees or protect the president’s right to due process.

Sean's Opinion
···
10/31/2019
It is beyond comical how the democrats work. The fundamentals of the American democracy which democrats cry about is completely left out of this bill. They want a nuclear vote to demolish the rights of an American. You can NOT selectively decide to ignore due process and think you stand for the constitution. This should not be a bill, the fact is, the left should have investigated before trying to break protocol. Now they are running out of time and are becoming desperate.
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Ryan's Opinion
···
10/31/2019
WITCH HUNT! This will come back to bite them in the ass in 2020
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David's Opinion
···
10/31/2019
Once again, no evidence of a crime, Howe, plenty of evidence of Adam Schiff colluding with the whistle blower who has been identified as a rabid anti-Trump registered Democrat and former member of the Obama administration. Also, today’s vote showed bipartisan opposition to impeachment and only unilateral support for it.
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simple resolution Progress

  • The house Passed October 31st, 2019
    Roll Call Vote 232 Yea / 196 Nay
      house Committees
      Committee on Rules
    IntroducedOctober 29th, 2019
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What is House Bill H. Res. 660?

This resolution would direct six House committees to continue their ongoing investigations into whether sufficient grounds exist for the House of Representatives to impeach President Donald Trump (namely the Intelligence, Judiciary, Oversight, Foreign Affairs, Ways and Means, and Financial Services committees). It would also establish procedures for the committees to conduct hearings and depositions, including processes for the minority to suggest subpoenas or testimony from witnesses, which are described in greater detail below.

The House Intelligence Committee would have the ability to call open hearings related to the impeachment inquiry in which the majority and minority members would have equal time to question witnesses, and can waive the five-minute rule. There could be multiple periods of questioning, each of which would be limited to 90 minutes, and staff counsels could question witnesses for up to 45 minutes per side. 

The ranking minority member could submit a written request to the chair for relevant witness testimony, and could issue subpoenas with the concurrence of the chair. If the chair declines to concur, the ranking member could put the question to a vote by the committee. Depositions could be publicly released in an electronic format with appropriate redactions for classified and other sensitive information.

The House Intelligence Committee would be directed to issue a report with its findings, recommendations, and any supporting materials to the Judiciary Committee. The chairs of other relevant committees with records related to the impeachment inquiry could also transfer those materials to the Judiciary in consultation with their ranking minority members.

The House Judiciary Committee would be authorized to conduct impeachment inquiry proceedings and put forward procedures to allow for the participation of the president and his legal counsel, in addition to other rules it deems necessary for the “fair and efficient conduct” of hearings. The ranking minority member would have the ability to request witness testimony or issue subpoenas with the concurrence of the chair, and if the chair declines the ranking member could put the matter to a vote before the committee.

After it completes its inquiry, the House Judiciary Committee would report to the full House any resolutions, articles of impeachment, or other recommendations it deems necessary.

As a simple resolution, this legislation wouldn't advance beyond the House if it's adopted.

Impact

Members of relevant House committees; the House of Representatives; potential witnesses; and President Donald Trump.

Cost of House Bill H. Res. 660

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

More Information

In-Depth: House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern (D-MA) introduced this resolution to bring transparency to the House’s impeachment inquiry targeting President Donald Trump:

“This is a solemn time for our country. With our existing authority under the Constitution and the rules of the House, Congress has been investigating serious allegations involving President Trump and Ukraine. There is mounting evidence that the president abused his power and betrayed our national security while compromising the integrity of America’s elections. As committees continue to gather evidence and prepare to present their findings, I will be introducing a resolution to ensure transparency and provide a clear path forward, which the Rules Committee will mark up this week. This is the right thing to do for the institution and the American people.”

In a joint statement the chairs of four of the committees referenced in this resolution — including Intelligence Chair Adam Schiff (D-CA), Judiciary Chair Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Foreign Affairs Chair Eliot Engel (D-NY), and Acting Oversight Chair Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) — added:

“The evidence we have already collected paints the picture of a President who abused his power by using multiple levers of government to press a foreign country to interfere in the 2020 election. Following in the footsteps of previous impeachment inquiries, the next phase will move from closed depositions to open hearings where the American people will learn firsthand about the President’s misconduct.”

President Donald Trump has called House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry the “greatest witch hunt in American history” and has denied wrongdoing. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham released a statement blasting Democrats' resolution:

"The resolution put forward by Speaker Pelosi confirms that House Democrats' impeachment has been an illegitimate sham from the start as it lacked any proper authorization by a House vote. It continues this scam by allowing Chairman Schiff, who repeatedly lies to the American people, to hold a new round of hearings, still without any due process for the President. The White House is barred from participating at all, until after Chairman Schiff conducts two rounds of one-sided hearings to generate a biased report for the Judiciary Committee. Even then, the White House's rights remain undefined, unclear, and uncertain - because those rules still haven't been written. This resolution does nothing to change the fundamental fact that House Democrats refuse to provide basic due process rights to the Administration." 

Trump's allies in Congress have also criticized Democrats for their handling of the impeachment inquiry, such as holding hearings behind closed doors, refusing to release transcripts of witness depositions, and selectively leaking evidence — all without holding a vote to formally launch the presidential impeachment inquiry, like the House did in the impeachments of Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) has recommended that House Republicans vote against this resolution, which his office referred to as the “Continued Soviet-Style Impeachment Inquiry.” His whip notice added:

“For the last 35 days, House Democrats have been conducting an illegitimate impeach[ment] inquiry absent due process, fairness, or transparency. This resolution reaffirms and build upon that tainted process by using the biased evidence obtained as the foundation for impeachment... Democrats have selectively leaked evidence in an attempt to damage the President without providing the full body evidence, which has irrevocably tainted any outcome of the investigation. The resolution fails to provide the minority and the administration with the same due process rights which have been afforded in past presidential impeachments and is simply meant to authorize the production of a tainted document authored by Chairman Schiff.”


Media:

Summary by Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Michael Vadon via Flickr / Creative Commons)

AKA

Directing certain committees to continue their ongoing investigations as part of the existing House of Representatives inquiry into whether sufficient grounds exist for the House of Representatives to exercise its Constitutional power to impeach Donald Jo

Official Title

Directing certain committees to continue their ongoing investigations as part of the existing House of Representatives inquiry into whether sufficient grounds exist for the House of Representatives to exercise its Constitutional power to impeach Donald John Trump, President of the United States of America, and for other purposes.

    Skylor's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    10/31/2019
    I don’t believe the word “Targeted” should be used or is it appropriate. To be targeted, sends a misdirected subtle idea that he is being attacked. President Trump is not being attacked, he is merely experiencing an unpleasant, but necessary spoke in the wheel of our government. The checks and balances system. If there was nothing done outside of a presidents rights and dutiful tasks, illegal or immoral, then he should keep his position. Release it all. Then the public will know everything and he will be cleared of any wrong doing and be able to move on with this November’s election and potentially another 4 years.
    Like (210)
    Follow
    Share
    Sean's Opinion Against
    ···
    10/31/2019
    It is beyond comical how the democrats work. The fundamentals of the American democracy which democrats cry about is completely left out of this bill. They want a nuclear vote to demolish the rights of an American. You can NOT selectively decide to ignore due process and think you stand for the constitution. This should not be a bill, the fact is, the left should have investigated before trying to break protocol. Now they are running out of time and are becoming desperate.
    Like (73)
    Follow
    Share
    jimK's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    10/31/2019
    The House process as outlined does not ‘target’ President trump. It is put together to review evidence regarding the possible impeachment of trump. The Senate will have the job of criminally convicting him and removing him from office- with full representation and counter arguing attorneys. The procedures being followed are exactly what the Republican House had passed recently and if they vary at all from past practice, it is because the Republicans designed the process which is now being carefully followed. So shut up already; Stop the whining. Find some relevant facts to argue about. A great quote from someone whose name I forgot was: ‘if you have solid facts, you loudly pound them out to make your case. If you don’t have solid facts, you pound on the details of the process. If you have neither, you loudly pound on the table.’ There is going to be a lot of table pounding ahead. Full speed ahead! Go! Let’s show the world that there is still some integrity left in our country’s leadership. I am tired of the world rightfully laughing at our country for our leadership’s lack of ethics and ineptitude at being unable to reign-in an out-of-control and dangerous administration.
    Like (196)
    Follow
    Share
    Al's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    10/31/2019
    The Voters will watch what is done. I expect my Senators and Representative to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign or domestic or from THEIR OWN PARTY. I expect them to put country over party.
    Like (111)
    Follow
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    Jessica's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    10/31/2019
    This is a pivotal point in American history. I beg you all to put your country over your party and vote to formalize the impeachment process. Your constituents deserve to know the truth about trump. Protecting him to protect your own political interests will only serve to destroy our democracy. I implore you to do the right thing.
    Like (55)
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    Ryan's Opinion Against
    ···
    10/31/2019
    WITCH HUNT! This will come back to bite them in the ass in 2020
    Like (43)
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    David's Opinion Against
    ···
    10/31/2019
    Once again, no evidence of a crime, Howe, plenty of evidence of Adam Schiff colluding with the whistle blower who has been identified as a rabid anti-Trump registered Democrat and former member of the Obama administration. Also, today’s vote showed bipartisan opposition to impeachment and only unilateral support for it.
    Like (40)
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    Robert 's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    10/31/2019
    Go directly to jail. Do not pass go...
    Like (39)
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    Hillary's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    10/31/2019
    He's publicly admitted repeatedly that he broke the law. Hell yes formalize this inquiry!
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    Mary's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    10/31/2019
    Yes. I was hoping it would have occurred after release of the Mueller Report. Impeach and remove this unfit, unqualified, incompetent, erratic pathological liar from office.
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    Cheryl's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    10/30/2019
    As I understand it, the House is not required to provide a formal process outlining the impeachment inquiry. The matter of impeachment is decided upon solely by the House, and it is the House that conducts the investigation or the “inquiry”. The person being investigated ( the President, in this case) is not entitled to due process during the inquiry and the gathering of evidence ( think of any other criminal investigation—the evidence is not shared with the accused during the investigation) Should the inquiry lead to a decision to impeach, a trial would be conducted by the Senate. It’s at such time that the President would be entitled to due process and to confront his accusers. Resolution 600 is an attempt on the part of the House to offer transparency during the inquiry phase, something which doesn’t seem to be required by any law, no matter what Sen. Graham wants to make the American people believe. I think Mr Trump and his friends in the Senate should graciously accept this offer of transparency.
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    OlderNWiser's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    10/31/2019
    #45 qualifies for Article 5, much less impeachment. He needs to be removed from office now.
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    Thelma's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    10/31/2019
    This process gives the minority more power than in the Clinton impeachment. It is transparent and clear. The truth will come out. The truth MUST come out.
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    Dicr's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    10/31/2019
    It is overdue. The proof is overwhelming. But instead of doing your job you swore an oath to you put party first Mr. Bost.
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    Mark's Opinion Against
    ···
    10/31/2019
    Russia collusion part II ! STOP THE COUP OF A SITTING PRESIDENT BY DEMOCRATS ! I’m tired of hearing impeachment SINCE DAY ONE ! Get over it DEMOCRATS YOU LOST IN 2016 ! QUIT WHINING ! YOU ARE GONNA HAVE TO WHINE FOR ANOTHER 4 YEARS GET PREPARED !
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    Lori's Opinion Against
    ···
    10/31/2019
    When the word impeachment has been thrown around since Election Day 2016 - before President Trump was even sworn in - it’s obvious this is a political witch-hunt.
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    Clarisse's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    10/31/2019
    It is time for sycophants to open their eyes to the facts. You have been following an unworthy individual down the dangerous path of destruction of our democracy. It is time for you to decide wether your loyalty is to the “people” (your employers, those who sent you to represent them) or to an lawful individual who has put our country in jeopardy. Impeach 45 and those in his administration who have acted unethically and unlawfully.
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    Frank 's Opinion Against
    ···
    10/31/2019
    This partisan BS over a phone call is making me crazy. You libs are wasting time. Vote on USMCA and budget issues. Stop this crap on Impeachment. We voted President Trump into office and will do so again so stop your liberal crap!!!
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    Michael's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    10/31/2019
    Vote yes on the House Resolution so we can fairly assess the evidence that addresses the claim that the President extorted the Ukrainians for his own political purpose and put our own national security at risk. To vote no and continue this stupid discussion about the process that the Republicans have been hiding behind warrants removal from office.
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    Cheryl's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    10/31/2019
    Enough information in public realm and obstruction by president to warrant further investigation
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