On Saturday, I signed onto Rep. Kucinich's H.RES.333, "Impeaching Richard B. Cheney, Vice President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors."
No one is above the law and our Vice President has forgotten that. His wanton disregard for the precepts of our constitution and its separation of powers, in addition to his overwhelming involvement in the continuation of an illegal war, make bringing the articles of impeachment a necessary reality. Impeachment powers exist to protect the citizens of our country from such egregious abuses of power. Never in our history has a Vice President had more power than Mr. Cheney currently wields. As a member of the House Judiciary committee, I believe this measure is the next step.
Triggered by events surrounding the Scooter Libby case, I have also proposed an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the requirement of the approval of a two-thirds majority of the Supreme Court for any pardon or reprieve granted by the President. My legislation, H.J.RES.48, will ensure more oversight in future Presidential pardons. As part of the new Democratic majority in Congress, oversight of this previously unwatched, unchecked, and severely undemocratic administration will continue to be one of our hallmarks.
While the dilatory tactics Republicans employed all of last week on the House floor prevented me from joining my friends in the blogsphere at YearlyKos, I look forward to next year and an opportunity to participate in future forums.
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress