Impeaching James E. Boasberg, United States District Court Chief Judge for the District of Columbia, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

Bill Number

H.Res. 229

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Law

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-18: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2026-01-22T09:06:08Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (H. Res. 229) aims to impeach James E. Boasberg, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, on grounds of high crimes and misdemeanors. It accuses him of abusing his judicial power by interfering with the President's executive authority, particularly in matters of national security and immigration enforcement.

Key Provisions

• Article of Impeachment: Abuse of Power

The resolution presents a single article charging Judge Boasberg with violating his oath of office by using his position to advance political goals and undermine the President's constitutional duties.

• It alleges he knowingly and willfully substituted his judgment for the President's under the Alien Enemies Act (a law from 1798 allowing the President to detain or deport non-citizens from enemy nations during war or invasion).
• Specific actions cited include:
• Blocking the removal (deportation) of aliens linked to Tren de Aragua, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
• Ordering the President to turn around planes mid-flight carrying such individuals.
• The resolution argues this conduct ignores Supreme Court precedent (from the 1948 case Ludecke v. Watkins), which holds that courts should not second-guess the President's decisions under the Act, as these are political matters outside judicial review.
• The resolution directs that this article be presented to the U.S. Senate for trial and potential removal from office.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution does not amend or create new laws. Instead, it invokes the Constitution's impeachment process (Article I, Section 2 and 3), which allows the House to impeach federal officials, including judges, for "high crimes and misdemeanors." No direct changes to statutes like the Alien Enemies Act are proposed; it seeks to address perceived judicial overreach through removal.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Could weaken judicial oversight of executive actions in immigration and national security, potentially allowing broader presidential discretion under laws like the Alien Enemies Act. If successful, it might lead to shifts in court leadership for the District of Columbia, affecting case handling.
• On Citizens: May influence public safety debates, as it claims the judge's rulings endangered the nation by preventing deportations of alleged terrorists. It could heighten political divisions over immigration enforcement.
• On International Relations: Indirect effects possible through U.S. handling of foreign terrorist groups like Tren de Aragua (Venezuela-based), potentially signaling stronger or weaker stances on cross-border threats. No direct international provisions are included.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• James E. Boasberg: Directly targeted for impeachment and potential removal, impacting his career and judicial role.
• Executive Branch (President and Agencies): Benefits from the resolution's support for presidential authority, particularly in the Department of Homeland Security or immigration enforcement bodies like ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
• Congress: House members (introduced by Rep. Gill of Texas and cosponsors) drive the process; Senate would conduct any trial.
• Judiciary: Broader federal courts, as it challenges a chief judge's impartiality and could erode trust in judicial independence.
• Public and Litigants: American citizens concerned with national security; affected non-citizens (e.g., those linked to Tren de Aragua) facing deportation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: Reinforces debates on judicial review limits under the Alien Enemies Act, citing Supreme Court precedent to argue courts lack authority in "political judgments" like invasion determinations. Success could set a precedent for impeaching judges over specific rulings.
• Constitutional Implications: Highlights tensions in separation of powers—judicial vs. executive branches. The resolution claims the judge's actions create a "constitutional crisis" by usurping presidential prerogatives, potentially testing the balance outlined in Articles I, II, and III of the Constitution. Impeachment of judges is rare (only 15 federal judges impeached historically), underscoring threats to judicial independence.
• Political Implications: Introduced in a partisan context (119th Congress, 1st Session, March 18, 2025), it reflects divisions over immigration and executive power, possibly escalating conflicts between Congress, the judiciary, and the presidency. If advanced, it could polarize public opinion on rule of law and impartiality.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26]

Cosponsors (24)

Rep. Crane, Elijah [R-AZ-2], Rep. Collins, Mike [R-GA-10], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9], Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4], Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham [R-AZ-8], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. Stutzman, Marlin A. [R-IN-3], Rep. Davidson, Warren [R-OH-8], Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7], Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. Harris, Mark [R-NC-8], Rep. Greene, Marjorie Taylor [R-GA-14], Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15], Rep. McGuire, John [R-VA-5], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Brecheen, Josh [R-OK-2], Rep. Ogles, Andrew [R-TN-5], Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9], Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1], Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-18: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2025-03-18: Submitted in House
• 2025-03-18: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Impeaching James E. Boasberg, United States District Court Chief Judge for the District of Columbia, for high crimes and misdemeanors. — issued 2025-03-18 — PDF (4 pages)