Thank you for contacting me regarding H. Res. 333, a resolution calling for the impeachment of Vice President Richard Cheney. I appreciate having the benefit of your views on this very important issue.
As you may know, my colleague, Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), introduced H. Res. 333. This legislation calls for Congress to set forth articles of impeachment against Vice President Cheney. While reasonable people can disagree about the policies the administration has pursued, our Constitution provides for a clear separation of powers between the branches of the government. Just as the President and Vice President have no authority to punish or reprimand Congress or its members, the Congress does not have the authority to pass judgment on the ordinary actions of the President and Vice President.
Only in the rare case of impeachment for high crimes and misdemeanors does the Congress have any authority to issue public judgment on the Executive. In that regard, I do not believe that the actions of the Vice President warrant the pursuit of articles of impeachment as outlined in this resolution.Presently, H. Res. 333 is awaiting action in the House Committee on the Judiciary, of which I am not a member. Please know that I will be sure to keep your views in mind when this legislation is addressed by the full House of Representatives.
Again, thank you for writing. Please feel free to contact me in the future with any additional issues or concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
Jon C. Porter
Member of Congress
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