Republicans of the conservative House Freedom Caucus have drafted articles of impeachment against Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who has overseen Robert Mueller’s special counsel probe. This document sets up a likely showdown for Republicans against the partisan witch hunt, which seemingly as no end in sight.
The impeachment document shows just how far away conservatives are from Republican leadership, who have defended Muller’s investigation. The authors called the impeachment document “a last resort” and while it may not pass, it serves as a powerful political weapon as conservatives stand up to Mueller and partisans at the Justice Department.
House Freedom Caucus Chairman Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC), has been close to President Donald Trump, and Meadows finalized the draft recently. It takes direct aim over disputes about how badly Rosenstein handled congressional requests for documents behind the decisions in the Russia investigation, including just why investigators so quickly dismissed criminal charges while examining Hillary Clinton’s home email server during the 2016 presidential campaign cycle.
The draft also criticizes Rosenstein’s disclosure of materials related to a classified surveillance warrant application, and subsequent renewals targeting former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page.
As The Washington Post reports, Meadows has acknowledged the one-page document, saying it will be used if the Department of Justice “fails to respond.”
Meadows opined, “My frustrations about their inability to respond to simple requests could warrant further action.” He made it clear that congressional conservatives are nearing a breaking point in this showdown against the Justice Department.
If the Judiciary Committee declines to take up a proposal, Meadows and his colleagues are considering offering articles of impeachment under what is called a “privileged” resolution, which is when a floor vote is quickly called if the House Speaker approves.
This type of action is rare but has happened before. The last example was when the House impeached federal judge G. Thomas Porteous Jr. after his conviction by the Senate in 2010 on bribery allegations.
A spokesperson for the House Judiciary Committee declined to comment on the draft or the prospect of impeachment proceedings. A Justice Department spokesman also declined to comment on the draft.
If Rosenstein were clean, why isn't he trying to drain the swamp?
Why does he keep stonewalling Congress to protect the Swamp?
Clearly, he's another dirty cop.
Impeach him now.— Philip Schuyler (@FiveRights) May 1, 2018
Robert Mueller's appointment by Rod Rosenstein began May 17, 2017. It will soon be one full year. SHUT IT DOWN
— Donald Russo (@donaldrusso994) May 1, 2018
Intel Dem: "Sickening" to hear GOP drafting articles of impeachment against Rosenstein https://t.co/Di4vU2ska2 pic.twitter.com/KiN57I7u11
— The Hill (@thehill) May 1, 2018
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