Question on the IL/CA Impeachment resolutions. Consequences?

[Pacifist Patriot]

From what I understand, if just one state presents a passed resolution to the U.S. House, than the U.S. House must address the issue immediately. Correct?

I'm curious about the party affiliation in the current Congress. How does having a Republican majority affect the efficacy of timing? If the states pass it (making a hopeful assumption here), should they present now or should it wait until January when a Democratic majority is sworn in as the 110th Congress?

Yes, I'm just as concerned as everyone else over the legitimacy and integrity of our election systems but let's just say there is a fighting chance for a Democratic majority. I guess what I'm asking is...is there a downside to presenting today's House with an impeachment resolution?

Another question: Given the discrepancy in language (one includes Cheney, woohoo!) what happens if both IL and CA pass their resolutions and present them to the U.S. House?

I am so afraid to get my hopes up. I really cannot see why this crooked and evil administration was not impeached eons ago.

Thanks for your help!

[HereSince1628]

1. I believe it is just another way to start a bill in motion.

Jefferson writes elsewhere in Rule 603 that a Congressman may due the same thing by dropping a bill "in the hopper."

Other bills dropped in the hopper typically get assigned to a Committee for further consideration. So it seems the GOP controlled Congress could still stiffle such a state action. Either by delaying consideration or simply voting it down in a committee.

[Pacifist Patriot]

2. That's pretty much what I figured. Does this have any political...

implications in terms of affecting the Democrats in an election year? Negative/Positive? Could these same states submit new resolutions in 2007 to a Democratic Congress? I'm assuming there is nothing to prevent this, it's not analogous to double jeopardy, but just checking.

[Arkham House]

3. What if this becomes a precedent?

Given the polarization of our country--let's face it: *every* future President will become subject to this happening. What Dem Prez wouldn't have some Taliban-dominated Red State legislature calling fir their impeachment? Is this really something we want to see become a standard feature of American politics? I am *not* arguing against it in the case of this criminal regime...but do we want to see this every administration like clockwork?

[Pacifist Patriot]

4. I remember this argument when California recalled Gov. Davis.

I think it's a valid concern but I'm not sure it will become the reality. I think it will continue to be an act of desperation rather than political retaliation.