Summary of H.Res. 143 (Impeaching Paul Engelmayer, judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York)
Overview
H.Res. 143 is a House Resolution introduced on February 18, 2025, that impeaches Paul Engelmayer, a sitting judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The bill, classified as a resolution, states the House’s intent to impeach and to exhibit articles of impeachment to the Senate. The measure has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Purpose and Intent
- The core purpose of the resolution is to formally impeach Judge Paul Engelmayer for “high crimes and misdemeanors” and to authorize the exhibition of articles of impeachment to the Senate.
- The text follows the standard constitutional framework for impeachment by the House, framing the action as being taken in the name of the House and the people of the United States.
Key Provisions
- Impeachment declarative: The resolution declares that Paul Engelmayer is impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors.
- Articles of impeachment: It authorizes the articles of impeachment to be exhibited to the Senate. The provided version content does not include specific charges or articles detailing particular alleged misconduct.
- Procedural framing: The language emphasizes the House’s maintenance of its impeachment against him.
Who/What Is Affected
- Primary subject: Paul Engelmayer, judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
- Legal/political actors: The U.S. House of Representatives (as the initiating body) and the U.S. Senate (as the body that would conduct trial and potential removal if articles are approved).
- The action is described as undertaken in the name of the House and the people of the United States.
Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Introduction date: February 18, 2025.
- Current status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary (no reported floor action or Senate referral in the provided text).
- Next steps: The Judiciary Committee would typically consider the resolution and any accompanying articles. If advanced, the House could vote on the articles; if passed, the articles would go to the Senate for trial. Conviction and removal require a two-thirds vote in the Senate.
Sponsors
- Primary sponsor: Derrick Van Orden
- Co-sponsor: Marjorie Taylor Greene
Impact Considerations
- Legal effect: As a House resolution, passage would authorize the initiation of impeachment proceedings by the House and the presentation of articles to the Senate. Removal from office would require Senate conviction and is not guaranteed by the resolution alone.
- Public signaling: The measure signals the sponsor’s and House’s stance regarding the judge's conduct and potential grounds for impeachment.
