Scalise: Judge Thomas Porteous Impeached by Senate, Removed from Office

Washington, DC -- Congressman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to convict U.S. Eastern District Judge Thomas Porteous of four articles of impeachment. The Senate’s decision finalizes Porteous’ impeachment and results in a loss of his federal pension, a loss of his seat on the bench, and his disqualification from holding public office again.

“Today's overwhelming conviction of Judge Porteous will finally remove the cloud that has existed over the Eastern District, and sends a strong message of support for a zero tolerance policy against corruption by public officials,” Scalise said. “Following Hurricane Katrina, those of us who came back vowed to rebuild the New Orleans region both structurally and politically, and we committed to rebuilding a better system than before the storm. Part of that better New Orleans includes reforming the old, corrupt system of the past, and ensuring that corruption is not a part of Louisiana’s future.”

Porteous was unanimously impeached by the House of Representatives on March 11. Since June of 2008 when the House received information of Judge Porteous’ misconduct, Scalise has urged his colleagues in the House to act swiftly, create the task force to impeach, conduct investigations thoroughly and expeditiously, and quickly vote on the articles of impeachment.

Scalise has maintained close contact with Members of the committee directly involved in the impeachment process including Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chairman of the Judiciary Committee’s task force, and Lamar Smith (R-TX), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee.

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Contact: Stephen Bell
202-226-9113