Steve Buyer: “While I appreciate the intentions of the supporters of censure, I, nonetheless, urge Members to oppose it, because it is…”

“While I appreciate the intentions of the supporters of censure, I, nonetheless, urge Members to oppose it, because it is a fraud and assault upon the Constitution. Censure is not an authorized alternative to impeachment. Congress has the express constitutional authority to censure its own Members for misconduct, but there is no expressed authority in the Constitution for Congress to censure the President. Impeachment is the only power in the Constitution granted to Congress to address presidential misconduct and dereliction in his executive duties. The Founding Fathers set high standards for impeachment, and by also providing that conviction requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate to remove the President from office, the ensured impeachment would not become a method for Congress to harass executive or judicial officials. A censure resolution would fly in the face of the separation of powers doctrine. Congress cannot make it up as we go along.”