Hooley (Update--and Earl!) on Impeachment: NOT Off Table by: torridjoe Thu Sep 06, 2007 at 16:13:02 PM PDT

One of the more frustrating things for many Oregon ians has been the blind spot of the Democratic delegation for courageously taking on the mantle of Constitutional stewardship, and honestly considering impeachment proceedings against the VP and President. None of the seven Members of Congress from the Beaver State have even hinted that impeachment was "on the table." Until now, that is. From remarks forwarded by senior staff and to be part of Hooley's statement in front of constituents in Lake Oswego this evening: I've heard from many Oregonians who are frustrated about how we got into the Iraq war, how the war's been mismanaged, and how the Bush Administration has abused its power whether it regards warrantless wiretapping or stonewalling Congress.  I will soon be introducing a resolution that calls on the President to encourage all relevant parties that have been subpoenaed to testify and not hide behind Executive Privilege.  Transparency is key to our democracy. Oversight must be followed by accountability.  Impeachment is in the Constitution and should never, ever be off the table for any President.  Congress needs to right the wrongs of this Administration, and I want to ensure every tool is available to hold individuals accountable for their actions {emph mine}. {more}

torridjoe :: Hooley (Update--and Earl!) on Impeachment: NOT Off Table

During the 110th Congress, I have cosponsored H. Res.530, legislation that calls for the censure of President Bush for his actions and the actions of members of his administration in the revelation of the identity of Valerie Plame Wilson.  It also condemns the stonewalling of the investigation led by special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald, the perjury of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby about his role in revealing Mrs. Plame Wilson's identity and the commutation of Mr. Libby's prison sentence by President Bush. I also led an effort with my colleagues from Oregon and California to have the House Committee on Natural Resources launch an investigation of Vice President Cheney regarding his involvement in the massive 2002 Klamath River fish kill which devastated fishing communities along the Pacific coast and led to the largest commercial fishing closure in U. S. history.  Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall (D-WV), has agreed to investigate whether or not their was any intentional wrongdoing by the Vice President or improper influence exerted by his office over decisions made by the Department of the Interior when it approved the diversion of water from the Klamath River. Well, I wouldn't call it a resounding push for hearings, but it's not every day that Hooley gets to tack to the LEFT of the rest of the Dem delegation. And simply by acknowledging that impeachment HAS to be an available option if warranted, she's done that. But she gets no cookie from me until she signs onto Conyers' bill calling for such an inquiry of the Vice-President. Admitting that it should be part of the arsenal is one thing; I'd like to see her draw the weapon and wave it about a bit, y'know? Hooley also mentions her role in getting oversight on Cheney for the Klamath fish kill; I'd like to know what results are coming from those hearings. (I'd already predicted there would be few to none, but maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised). I'll give Hooley a B for effort on this one, with an Incomplete for follow-through. Update, 10am-- Coincidence? Coordinated release? Or even--amazingly--Hooley pushing him to the left? Whatever the instigation, at Earl Blumenauer's website he is suddenly saying the same thing: it's not ripe yet, but it's not off the table. A little taste: Democratic-led committees in the House and Senate are conducting unprecedented investigations into a broad range of Bush administration misdeeds. The information uncovered by these hearings can be used to hold people responsible for their crimes and abuses, either through Congressional action or criminal prosecutions. These investigations are making significant impacts. There is no doubt in my mind that were it not for the thorough work of Congressional oversight and the probing research and questions from Democrats leading committees in the House and the Senate, Alberto Gonzalez would still be Attorney General and Karl Rove would still be calling the shots at the White House. I believe that oversight must lead to accountability. Impeachment is among the range of options for Congress to consider as we seek to hold President Bush and others accountable for their actions. Impeachment may not be ripe, either procedurally or politically, now but that does not mean that it won't be in the future. Congress cannot let this administration off the hook or give them a "Get out of Jail Free" card by taking impeachment off the table. While it is important that investigations and accountability measures be neither partisan nor political in nature, Congress must make the necessary effort to expose and punish the abuses of the last six and a half years. If these investigations show that impeachment is warranted and necessary, then Congress should not be afraid to take that step. Way to go, Earl! Peter and David...you're up.

Tags: censure, George Bush, Dick Cheney, Valerie Plame, impeachment, Darlene Hooley, (All Tags)

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