President Trump calls for the impeachment of federal judges
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - President Donald Trump is calling for the impeachment of federal judges who issue rulings against his administration.
Many Republicans in Congress said they are not willing to go that far, but new legislation aims to limit the reach of some decisions.
"I do take exception to one single judge being able to issue a nationwide injunction to prevent the administration from moving forward," said U.S. Rep. Michael Guest (R-Miss.).
Guest points to one case in particular where a federal judge ordered planes deporting hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members to return to the U.S. The Trump administration said the order came too late, and the arrestees are now prisoners in El Salvador.
"We can't let a judge say that he wants them," President Trump said. "He didn't run for president."
President Trump is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to lift the judge's block on deportation flights.
"If the Supreme Court were to make that decision, clearly we would honor that because of separation of powers," Guest said.
There is now a GOP push in Congress to limit the ability of lower-court judges to issue injunctions with nationwide implications.
"That is a crucial first step so I would be supportive of that," Guest said.
The House plans to vote on the bill next week.
"I will vote no on that," said U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.). "It doesn't make any sense."
Bonamici argues legislative actions like this violate the separation of powers.
"What the bill does would restrict judges from doing what is correct," Bonamici said.
Top House and Senate committees also plan to hold hearings on this topic next week.