When Impeachment Is Mandatory (Bloomberg Opinion)

[mysteryowl]

In the case of certain crimes, the House is required, not merely permitted, to initiate proceedings.

Suppose that within the next few months, it becomes clear that President Donald Trump has committed impeachable offenses. Does the House of Representatives have discretion to decide whether to impeach him? Or does the Constitution require it to do so?

The simplest answer, and the best, is that the Constitution requires the House to do so.

Democrat or Republican — commits what is clearly an impeachable offense, the House is obliged, and not merely permitted, to initiate impeachment proceedings. A refusal to do so would be a dereliction of constitutional duty, a violation of the oath of office, and a shameful betrayal of the principles for which the American Revolution was fought.

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2018-12-12/when-impeachment-is-mandatory

[Me.]

1. Be Best

"The simplest answer, and the best, is that the Constitution requires the House to do so"

[Hermit-The-Prog]

2. goofy argument

No where in the Constitution does it state the House shall impeach. The House has the power to impeach; it's not required to do so.

I sincerely hope the new House does, but they are not compelled to do so just because of my hope.

[Roy Rolling]

3. Valid Argument

Congress is obliged to impeach. If they fail to do so, it's a dereliction of duty. Impeachment isn't a law to be enforced, it's a process triggered by high crimes and misdemeanors. A unique Constitutional process affecting only one person in the entire republic---the president.

Under certain circumstances, Congress must act. If they fail to do so, they are at fault. Not the process.

[mysteryowl]

4. I think it is too.

[TomSlick]

5. Impeachment cannot be mandatory because there is no enforcement.

There is no remedy if the Congress fails to impeach. If there is no remedy, impeachment cannot be mandatory. Morally required sure - but not mandatory.