Summary of H. RES. 858

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: H. RES. 858
• Title: Impeaching James E. Boasberg, United States District Court Chief Judge for the District of Columbia, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
• Status: Submitted in House
• Introduced: November 4, 2025
• Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

H. RES. 858 seeks to impeach Chief Judge James E. Boasberg of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. The resolution accuses Judge Boasberg of "high crimes and misdemeanors," specifically citing alleged abuses of power related to the issuance of nondisclosure orders and subpoenas that are claimed to infringe upon the constitutional rights of Members of Congress.

Key Provisions

The resolution outlines the following key allegations against Judge Boasberg:

1. Abuse of Power:

   • The resolution accuses Judge Boasberg of granting Special Counsel John L. Smith the authority to issue nondisclosure orders that allegedly obstructed the legislative duties of several Senators and Representatives.
   • Specific nondisclosure orders are said to have targeted prominent Republican lawmakers, including Senators Marsha Blackburn, Ted Cruz, and Lindsey Graham, among others.

2. Frivolous Subpoenas:

   • The resolution claims that Judge Boasberg authorized subpoenas that were intended to silence conservative political speech and target conservative nonprofit organizations.
   • It is alleged that these subpoenas included individuals such as Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows, suggesting a misuse of judicial power.

3. Violation of Constitutional Rights:

   • The resolution argues that the actions taken by Judge Boasberg violate the separation of powers and undermine the constitutional protections afforded to Members of Congress in their legislative roles.

Affected Parties

• James E. Boasberg: As the subject of the impeachment, Judge Boasberg would face potential removal from his position if the resolution passes through the necessary legislative processes.
• Members of Congress: The resolution claims that the nondisclosure orders and subpoenas have imposed undue legal scrutiny on lawmakers, potentially affecting their ability to perform their legislative duties.
• Conservative Organizations and Activists: The resolution suggests that various conservative groups and individuals have been unfairly targeted, raising concerns about political bias within judicial processes.

Procedural Aspects

• Submission and Referral: The resolution was submitted to the House of Representatives on November 4, 2025, and was immediately referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.
• Next Steps: If the Committee approves the resolution, it may proceed to the full House for a vote. If passed, the articles of impeachment would then be sent to the Senate for trial.

Conclusion

H. RES. 858 represents a significant legislative action aimed at holding a federal judge accountable for alleged misconduct. The outcome of this resolution could have implications for judicial independence and the relationship between the legislative and judicial branches of government.