11 Republicans move to impeach US deputy attorney general

CHARGES AGAINST ROD ROSENSTEIN INCLUDE FAILING TO PRODUCE INFORMATION TO THE COMMITTEES AND OKAYING IMPROPER SURVEILLANCE OF A TRUMP ADVISER.

WASHINGTON: A group of 11 House conservatives introduced articles of impeachment against deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, the Justice Department official who oversees special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.

The move came Wednesday after months of criticism aimed at the department — and the Russia investigation in particular — from Trump and his Republican allies in Congress. Trump has fumed about Mueller’s probe and repeatedly called it a “witch hunt,” a refrain echoed by some of the lawmakers. The impeachment effort is led by North Carolina representative Mark Meadows, who talks to Trump frequently and often defends him to his colleagues.

It is unclear whether there will be enough support in the party to pass the impeachment resolution, as Republican leaders have not signed on to the effort and are unlikely to back it.

Meadows, Ohio representative Jim Jordan and the other Republicans who introduced the resolution have criticised Rosenstein and Justice Department officials for not being responsive enough as House committees have requested documents related to the beginning of the Russia investigation and a closed investigation into Democrat Hillary Clinton’s emails. The introduction does not trigger an immediate vote, but Meadows could make procedural moves on the House floor that could force a vote late this week or when the House returns in September from its upcoming recess. The House is scheduled to leave on Thursday for the five-week recess.