Impeachment, Illinois style.

I was watching bits of the Colbert Report last night, in particular the most recent 'Threat Down' segment. In the segment Stephen Colbert mentioned that Illinois had a bill submitted to impeach the President. It is pretty sad when you hear about something from your state on a satirical comedy show and not in the news first.

Well it is true. On April 20th a Joint House Resolution 0125 was submitted, calling for the Impeachment of the President. It currently is stuck in the Rules Committee, where it will probably stay. Two other states have had bills submitted as well, Vermont and California. For most people, this will be a 'so what' sort of thing. States can't impeach Presidents. I suppose it is mostly show. But.... well there is an obscure bit in the rules of the House of Representatives, that allows for a state to bring charges to the House floor. I looked it up (PDF alert) but soon became befuddled. It wasn't clear to what degree the House would have to take them seriously or if any action at all would have to be taken. It looks like the House can probably just blow them off if they ever make it that far, but I am no expert in how the House works internally.