Kucinich on Ed Schultz Show: considering privileged Cheney impeachment res.
by boofdah
Thu Sep 27, 2007
We all know Congressman Kucinich has already introduced H. Res. 333, a House Resolution to impeach VP Cheney. However, because this bill has only 19 co-sponsors and hasn't gotten much traction in the House, Kucinich announced on Ed Schultz's show this afternoon that he is considering a
privileged resolution to force the debate of impeaching Cheney to the House floor............
According to this laughable but ironically prescient site (it was initially set up to impeach Clinton over Monicagate, but actually includes well-researched info about the process), a privileged impeachment resolution entails this (bolding is mine):
A member submitting a privileged resolution, memorial or motion proposing impeachment is entitled to recognition for one hour in which to debate it. A member recognized to present a privileged resolution may not be taken from the floor by a motion to refer. IMPEACHMENT: Selected Materials p. 769 (Section 468). In order to secure this privilege of debate, however, the proposal must be put in writing and submitted to the Clerk of the House. Id. at pp. 770-71 (Section 470).
Once having submitted an impeachment resolution against a civil officer, then that member's high privilege has expired. Id. at pp. 769-70 (Section 469). This rule apparently does not apply if the member files an amended impeachment resolution containing new charges or other new matters. Id. at 767-69 (Section 468).
...
Even when an impeachment resolution does not contain within it a referral to a committee for inquiry or investigation, it appears to be the normal procedure for such a resolution to be referred to an appropriate committee -- even when the resolution clearly has absolutely no support in the full House. IMPEACHMENT: Selected Materials pp. 769-70 (Section 469).
According to Jerome Zeifman, however, it is possible that such a resolution could be called up for an immediate vote; but that option appears to be within the control of the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader.
more at:
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/9/27/133717/144