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Conyers and Smith Announce Vote on Task Force for Judge Porteous Impeachment Inquiry
For Immediate Release
September 16, 2008 |
Contact: Jonathan Godfrey (Conyers)
Kim Smith (Smith) |
House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and Ranking Judiciary Committee Member Lamar Smith (R-TX) today announced a vote would take place in the Committee on Wednesday to create an impeachment inquiry task force for U.S. District Judge G. Thomas Porteous. Earlier this summer, the Judicial Conference of the United States made a referral to the Speaker of the House conveying its view that consideration of impeachment of Judge Porteous may be warranted.
"We take it very seriously when the governing body of the Judiciary sends us a referral for impeachment," said Conyers. "Upon review, we believe this matter merits a full investigation."
"It’s not a common occurrence for the Judicial Conference to recommend something as severe as impeachment proceedings against a federal judge," said Smith. "Public corruption at any level should not be tolerated, but it is especially egregious when a federal judge, who has been appointed for life, falls under allegations of bribery and unethical behavior. While I regret that these actions are necessary, Congress has a responsibility to investigate and restore credibility to the federal bench."
On Wednesday, September 17, 2008, the Judiciary Committee will vote on a resolution authorizing the creation of the task force. If authorized, the task force would then conduct an inquiry to investigate Judge Porteous’ conduct and make a recommendation whether impeachment should be pursued.
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