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HRES 270119th CongressIn Committee

Removing James E. Boasberg, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, for failure to remain in good behavior pursuant to section 1 of article III of the Constitution.

Introduced: Mar 31, 2025
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This House Resolution (H. Res. 270) would remove James E. Boasberg, the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, from office for “failure to remain in good behavior” under Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution. The resolution would exhibit an Article of Removal to the Senate, initiating impeachment-style proceedings. The bill alleges serious “misbehavior” by Boasberg, including interfering with the President’s foreign policy and enforcement of the Alien Enemies Act for partisan gain, failing to disclose payments from non-federal sources, and abusing his discretion on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. The constitutional framework cited is that judges may be removed for misbehavior, and that foreign policy is largely outside the courts’ review, with the executive branch having broad power in national security matters.

Key Points

  • 1The bill proposes removing Boasberg for misbehavior under Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution and would exhibit an Article of Removal to the Senate.
  • 2It claims Boasberg knowingly interfered with the President’s foreign policy and national security enforcement (specifically regarding the Alien Enemies Act) for partisan purposes.
  • 3The resolution centers on a March 15, 2025 presidential proclamation and related actions designating Tren de Aragua members as enemy aliens, which Boasberg allegedly sought to counteract by ordering the return of members to the United States.
  • 4It asserts Boasberg cited foreign-policy considerations beyond judicial review and “extended beyond the bounds of power” in a manner tied to partisan aims.
  • 5Additional charges include failure to disclose payments from non-federal sources and alleged abuse of discretion on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: James E. Boasberg (individual), the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and the judicial impeachment/removal process (House filing and Senate trial).Secondary group/area affected: The broader judiciary and separation of powers between Congress, the presidency, and the courts; potential implications for judicial independence and accountability.Additional impacts: Public perception of the judiciary, debates over presidential foreign-policy powers and national security authority, and the treatment of conflicts of interest or financial disclosures by judges. Note: This is a House resolution introducing impeachment-like language; enactment would require Senate conviction and is not guaranteed.
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