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HRES 1351

Impeaching Eleanor Louise Ross, Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

119th Congress Introduced by Rick Allen and 21 co-sponsors

Impeachment seeks removal of Judge Eleanor Ross for alleged improper sexual conduct, political activity, and false statements/obstruction under federal law.

Submitted in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HRES 1351

Summary: H.Res. 1351 (119th Congress) – Impeachment of Judge Eleanor Louise Ross

Purpose and intent

  • The resolution proposes impeaching Eleanor Louise Ross, a judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, on grounds of high crimes and misdemeanors.
  • It directs that articles of impeachment be exhibited to the Senate for removal proceedings.

Articles of impeachment (key substantive allegations)

Article I – Improper sexual activity in chambers and related misconduct

  • Allegations of an extramarital affair with Kelley Collier, a high-ranking Atlanta Police Department officer, from roughly Oct 2023 to Oct 2025.
  • Claims the affair intersected with cases involving Collier or the police department, creating or seeming to create a conflict of interest.
  • Alleged intimate conduct (including sexual intercourse) occurred in Ross’s chambers during business hours, with staff hearing noises.
  • Claimed lack of disclosure to judges, staff, and litigants created a problematic workplace and heightened risk of extortion.
  • Cited violations of multiple Canons of the Code of Conduct for United States Judges, including:
    • Canon 2 (avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety)
    • Canon 2A (judge should act to promote public confidence in judicial integrity)
    • Commentary emphasizing public confidence eroded by improper conduct, including harassment and workplace misconduct
  • Conclusion: Ross is alleged to be guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors and should be removed.

Article II – Political activity by a sitting judge

  • Claims Ross attended a partisan political event hosted by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’s campaign, acknowledged during an investigation.
  • Attended the event the night before presiding over a criminal revocation proceeding in her courtroom.
  • The following morning, Ross reportedly told interns and staff she had consumed “too many martinis.”
  • Alleged violations of Code of Conduct for United States Judges, including:
    • Canon 5 (refrain from political activity)
    • Canon 5(A)(1)(3) (prohibits attending events sponsored by political organizations or candidates)
  • Conclusion: Ross is alleged to be guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors and should be removed.

Article III – Obstruction of an official proceeding; false statements to investigators

  • In Sept. 2025, a complaint prompted by the Eleventh Circuit Chief Judge alleged misconduct.
  • Ross reportedly provided false or misleading responses to the Chief Circuit Judge and Chief District Judge, including denying sexual activity in the courthouse and uncertainty about who the allegations concerned.
  • A special committee investigated and found numerous material false statements; Ross recanted only after corroborating evidence emerged.
  • Alleged failures to cooperate with investigations and to self-report as required by judicial conduct rules.
  • Cited potential violation of 18 U.S.C. 1001 (false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements) due to the false statements in a matter within federal jurisdiction.
  • Conclusion: Ross is alleged to be guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors and should be removed.

Who is affected

  • Primary subject: Eleanor Louise Ross, Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
  • Indirectly affects:
    • The administration of the Northern District of Georgia (judicial conduct and potential vacancy/appointment processes if impeached and removed).
    • Parties in cases Ross presides over, particularly if conflicts or investigations influence proceedings.
    • Court staff, interns, and clerks in her chambers due to alleged workplace conduct and corruption concerns.
    • Credibility and integrity perceptions of the federal judiciary.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • House action: Introduction and referral to the House Committee on the Judiciary on June 9, 2026.
  • The resolution contemplates formal articles of impeachment being exhibited to the Senate.
  • The bill does not itself remove Ross; it initiates impeachment proceedings in the House and warrants Senate trial upon passage.
  • No specific timeline for Senate action is provided in the text of the resolution; impeachment trials in the Senate would follow constitutional processes if the House approves articles.

Notable sponsor and support

  • Primary sponsor: Representative (listed as Mr. Clyde) with a broad group of co-sponsors, including several members from the Republican caucus.
  • Co-sponsors include notable names: Paul Gosar, Andy Ogles, Sheri Biggs, Andy Harris, Buddy Carter, John Carter, Lauren Boebert, John Rutherford, Scott Franklin, and others.

Impactful details to know

  • The allegations span conduct in personal and professional domains: sexual conduct in chambers, political activity, and obstruction of proceedings.
  • The seriousness rests on alleged violations of the Code of Conduct for federal judges and federal obstruction/statutory provisions (18 U.S.C. 1001).
  • If the House approves articles and the Senate convicts, Ross would be removed from office.

This summary presents the bill’s stated purpose, the three articles of impeachment, and the potential procedural path and effects, based on the bill text.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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