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To: RoosterRedux

So members of Congress can’t be impeached?


84 posted on 01/20/2025 7:56:56 AM PST by butterdezillion
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To: butterdezillion
Right. Here's my understanding.

Impeachment is reserved for federal officers (including civil officers), such as the President, and does not apply to Congressmen. In contrast, Congressmen can be removed through expulsion under Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution, which requires a two-thirds vote by their respective chamber.

The processes also differ significantly. Impeachment, described in Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution, involves the House of Representatives bringing charges and the Senate conducting a trial, typically addressing misconduct by federal officers. Expulsion, on the other hand, is an internal disciplinary action used to address "disorderly behavior" by Congressmen.

Expulsion alone does not result in the loss of benefits like pensions. A Congressman forfeits these benefits only if convicted of certain federal crimes, such as bribery or corruption, as stipulated by laws like the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007.

In summary, Congressmen cannot be impeached, but they can be expelled under Article I, Section 5. The loss of benefits depends on a conviction for specific criminal offenses.

93 posted on 01/20/2025 8:20:13 AM PST by RoosterRedux ("There's nothing so inert as a closed mind" )
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