Former Secretary LaHood: Avoid Impeachment Like the Plague
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), at a Select Committee on Modernization hearing, discussed impeachment with former congressman and Obama transportation secretary what advice he would give members of Congress who want to get legislation passed in the midst of impeachment. Then-Congressman Ray LaHood, who chaired impeachment proceedings of former President Bill Clinton in 1998, told members of the committee to avoid impeachment "like the plague."
LaHood was also recently named by Governor JB Pritzker to serve as chairman of Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum's board of directors because of his experience and ability to get things done. Davis release this statement last night expressing concern for the Democrats' intent on impeaching without facts and lack of progress on any major legislative items facing the house. Below is a written transcript of the exchange on impeachment between Davis and LaHood at the hearing. Davis: You had a job to do during the last impeachment proceedings -- you chaired the proceedings in the House… LaHood: Yes.. Davis: You and I have had conversations before about how that impeachment process impacted the ability to get things done... LaHood: Right. Davis: Can you give us any examples of how we as the Modernization Committee can offset the inaction and how can we lead to still put good policy forward in the midst of this? LaHood: Look, impeachment is, um, probably the most controversial, volatile thing. It’s gonna turn this place upside down. If I were where you were, I would avoid it like the plague. This place will never be the same if you go down that road and all of your work will have to come in the next Congress. It will not come in this Congress. |
