Actually House rules do require a vote.
House rules require a resolution for an independent investigation, impeachment or otherwise (impeachment itself is never mentioned in the House Rules so it falls to the regular rules on investigations). That resolution has to first pass out of the Committee on Rules. Then there is A FULL HOUSE VOTE on acceptance of the resolution. No investigation can begin until this vote is taken. This is all required under the House Rules. Once approved, the investigation goes to the Judiciary Committee, not Intelligence. So even the assignment to Schiff violates House Rules. Most importantly, the House Rules do not convey upon the Speaker the authority to unilaterally start anything. She simply does not have the right under House Rules to do decree an “impeachment inquiry” by executive fiat.
Rules, rules? We don’t need no stinkin’ rules. The House can amend their rules any time they like. It does appear unseemly, but as long as the lamestream runs interference they can get away with it.
So she can just change the rules then. No problem.
The Democrats control the House. They can make up any rules they want if they have the votes to do that. Obviously, they do not have the votes. Yet.
They are all looking at the end of their political careers no matter what course of action they choose. I would expect they will choose the most destructive path available.
Schiff and Pelosi are driving a shiv into the back of the nation and the concept of fair play and decency.
They are total dirtbags—and that is the _nicest_ thing I can say about them.
She simply does not have the right under House Rules to do decree an “impeachment inquiry” by executive fiat.
And yet...
House rules have no bearing whatsoever.
Every Congress makes their own rules and is not bound by previous rules.