Scalise Supports House Committee Action to Impeach Porteous

Washington, DC -- Congressman Steve Scalise (LA-1), who has consistently urged the House Judiciary Committee to work swiftly on the impeachment investigations of U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Porteous, supported today’s unanimous vote on all four Articles of Impeachment. Last week following the Impeachment Task Force vote to send the articles to the full Judiciary Committee, Scalise called for Porteous’ resignation.

“We need to maintain a zero tolerance policy against public corruption in every branch of government, and the findings identified in these four Articles of Impeachment warrant Judge Porteous’ removal from the bench,” Scalise said. “In order to remove the cloud that exists, Judge Porteous should resign so the Eastern District can once again provide the citizens a justice system free from corruption. I applaud the House Judiciary Committee for taking quick action on this issue, and I urge Speaker Pelosi to immediately schedule a floor vote on the impeachment articles.”

“Judge Porteous’ actions are a violation of the American people’s trust and a stain on the integrity of the federal bench. The American people deserve better from their federal judges,” House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-Texas said. “I appreciate the efforts of Rep. Scalise to ensure that justice is served in this matter. To preserve equality and fairness in our constitutional democracy, we must protect the integrity of the courts. The time has come for Congress to conclude that Judge Porteous’s conduct has made him unworthy to serve on the federal bench.”

The impeachment articles state that Porteous took cash, gifts and other services from lawyers and a bail bondsman who had business in the court over which he presided. The articles also state that he lied during his Senate confirmation process as well as in his personal bankruptcy filing.

Scalise has maintained a consistent dialogue with Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-TX) and other members of the Impeachment Task Force since June of 2008 when the U.S. Judicial Conference of the United States determined that the consideration of impeachment may be warranted. In April of 2009, Scalise sent a letter to the House Judiciary Committee urging them to make their investigation a top priority. A copy of the letter is below.

April 30, 2009

Honorable John Conyers

Chairman of House Judiciary Committee

Honorable Lamar Smith

Ranking Member of House Judiciary Committee

2138 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington D.C. 20515

Dear Chairman Conyers and Ranking Member Smith:

Last year the House Judiciary Committee received recommendations for impeachment of U.S. District Judge Thomas Porteous in the Eastern District of Louisiana. The U.S. Judicial Conference of the United States led by Chief Justice John Roberts has indicated there is substantial evidence of judicial misconduct against Judge Porteous and impeachment hearings may be warranted.

Allegations as serious as those presented by the Judicial Conference have placed a cloud over the entire Eastern District. The only way to remove that cloud is by conducting a thorough investigation by your committee’s task force, which was given that authority by H. Res. 15 (attached with H. Res 1448 from the 110th Congress) that passed on January 13, 2009 to investigate these serious allegations to determine if impeachment proceedings are warranted. I am requesting that the appointed task force act swiftly and conduct the necessary investigation into these claims and report their findings in a timely manner. We cannot afford to have another Congress pass without a resolution to this matter, as happened with the conclusion of the 110th Congress.

While this cloud lingers, Judge Porteous continues to sit on the bench and receive his full taxpayer-funded salary as well as pension credits. It is important to take swift action to remove the cloud that exists over the court. The citizens throughout the Eastern District of Louisiana deserve a justice system that functions properly and is free from corruption or scandal.

Corruption at any level of public service cannot be tolerated, and allegations as serious as these must be acted upon as quickly as possible. I urge you to make this inquiry a top priority of your committee. Please keep me updated on the status of the task force’s progress.

Sincerely,

Steve Scalise

Member of Congress

Cc: Hon. Adam Schiff

Hon. Bob Goodlatte

###

Contact: Luke Bolar
202-226-4309