In the same chamber
One Democrat pointed out that they were debating impeachment in the crime scene.
“We are debating this historic measure at an actual crime scene,” Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said Wednesday morning, discussing House Resolution 24, the measure that would impeach President Trump for the second time. He was speaking in the same chamber that was evacuated one week ago as a mob of pro-Trump extremists breached security and flooded into the halls of Congress.
The chamber where members crouched on the floor when the police started shouting “Get down, get down!” Which must have been pretty terrifying.
Recalling the events of last Wednesday, McGovern said Congress was disrupted as it was performing one of its core duties in service of American democracy: certifying the election.
“But at a rally just a mile and a half down Pennsylvania Avenue, Donald Trump and his allies were stoking the anger of a violent mob,” McGovern said. “A member of this very body proclaimed on that stage, ‘Today is the day American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass.'”
That member is Mo Brooks, R-Alabama.
“Rioters chanted, ‘Hang Mike Pence,’ as a noose and gallows were built a stone’s throw from the Capitol steps. Capitol Police officers were beaten and sprayed with pepper spray. Attackers hunted down lawmakers to hold them hostage, or worse. Staff barricaded doors. People sent text messages to their families to tell them they love them. They thought they were saying goodbye, Mr. Speaker.”
They had good reason to think so.
Terrifying.
I hope that the House and Senate move to expell those members who voted against certification, thereby giving aid and comfort to the rioters. Doubly so for those who spoke to the rioters and egged them on.
United States Constitution, Article I Section 5: Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.
Draw up a list. Kick them out.
Off the top of my head:
Brooks
Hawley
Cruz
“Gym” Jordan
“Glock” Boebert
Add as you see fit.
Ali Alexander, who organizes the Stop the Steal movement and came up with the idea for the insurrection, claims to have coordinated with three Congressmen. I don’t know if I’d put much stock in what he says, but one of the Congressman, Paul Gosar of Arizona, twitted this last Wednesday just after noon. Notice the picture, and notice that he @s Alexander.
Mr .Speaker? Did something happen to Pelosi?
Pelosi (like other Speakers before her) doesn’t spend her whole time sitting in her Speaker’s chair while the critters drone on (can you imagine how tedious a job that would be?). Usually it’s some underling overseeing the proceedings, and for the duration that person is acting Speaker, and addressed as such. (Just like in the Senate whoever is presiding is addressed as the President.)