Bills · HRES 241
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House Res.HRES 241Law
Impeaching John James McConnell Jr., Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
INTRO MAR 24· LAST ACTION MAR 24
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
9
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Non-binding
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it addresses the fundamental principle of judicial impartiality and accountability. Federal judges are appointed for life to ensure they can make decisions without political pressure, but they can be removed through impeachment for serious misconduct, like "high crimes and misdemeanors." This resolution raises questions about where the line is between a judge's personal beliefs or community involvement and actions that compromise their ability to be fair and unbiased in court.
If this bill becomes law (meaning the House approves the impeachment and the Senate convicts), Judge McConnell would be removed from office, setting a precedent for what conduct might be considered impeachable for a federal judge. If it doesn't pass, or if the Senate acquits him, it reaffirms existing standards for judicial conduct and the high bar for removal. It impacts public confidence in the judiciary, ensuring judges are held to high ethical standards while also protecting judicial independence from political attacks.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extractedPROVISION 01
The resolution formally impeaches Chief Judge John James McConnell Jr. and sends articles of impeachment to the Senate.
This is the core action of the resolution, initiating the formal process to remove a federal judge from office.
PROVISION 02
It charges Judge McConnell with 'abuse of power' for allegedly politicizing his position and allowing political views to influence his judicial duties.
This provision outlines the primary reason for impeachment, arguing that the judge's actions violated his oath of impartiality.
PROVISION 03
It charges Judge McConnell with 'conflicts of interest' for presiding over a case involving the State of Rhode Island while serving on the board of a non-profit receiving state funds.
This provision alleges a direct financial conflict that, if proven, would violate ethical standards for judges.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 9
R· Georgia
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
33
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 9 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 24
Submitted in House
MAR 24
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Resolution
NumberHRES 241
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 24, 2025
Last actionMar 24, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 24, 2025
House Res.HRES 241Law
Impeaching John James McConnell Jr., Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
INTRODUCED MAR 24, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 24, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
7 min
COSPONSORS
9
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
