A resolution has been filed in the Texas House of Representatives to issue a formal apology to Attorney General Ken Paxton after his impeachment trial ended in acquittal.
Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R-Arlington) explained, “Today, I was proud to file HR 16, a resolution extending a full apology to Attorney General [Ken Paxton] from the [Texas House] for its political weaponization of the impeachment process.”
“We must never repeat such grievous errors,” he continued. “I look forward to this resolution being voted on during this special session.”
The resolution claimed the impeachment trial “stemmed from secretive, rushed, and flawed proceedings.”
Recalling questionable details of the process, Tinderholt said, “Just two days after the House General Investigating Committee revealed that it had spent months surreptitiously scrutinizing the actions of Attorney General Paxton, it recommended impeachment.”
“It failed to put witnesses under oath during its investigation and then failed to follow the rules of evidence in alleging wrongdoing, basing its case on hearsay that would never be admissible in a court of law,” he continued. “Paxton was not given the opportunity to defend himself.”
Furthermore, the General Investigating Committee “failed to provide House members with adequate time or means to evaluate the information it presented.”
“The first impeachment of a statewide official in over a century proceeded at warp speed, and despite a complete lack of evidence, within two days, the House voted to impeach, causing Attorney General Paxton’s automatic suspension,” the resolution said.
Moving to the trial itself, Tinderholt suggested it “exposed the haste, flimsiness, and unfairness of the House impeachment process,” which he characterized as “a debacle that undermined its legitimacy and integrity.”
He urged that the House “extend a formal apology to Attorney General Ken Paxton” in order to “restore public faith.”
Some political observers expressed opposition to the resolution. Hunter Bonner, the president of the Marion County Republican Assembly, mocked Tinderholt for the resolution, saying, “The groveling is just embarrassing for these people.”
As reported by The Dallas Express, the House’s impeachment process has been highly criticized by state and local institutions and leaders. Several members of the House have been extremely outspoken against the process pursued by House leadership.
However, Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) has vigorously defended the unprecedented approach.
“I extend my utmost thanks to the House Board of Managers and their legal team for their diligent work on this matter, and to each of the 121 House Members who bravely acted in the best interest of this state by voting to advance the articles of impeachment,” he said, as reported by The Dallas Express.
“It was a difficult vote to take, but not a difficult decision. And unlike others, they chose principles over politics,” he added. “I stand with them in full support of their decision and recognize the sacrifices they made in the name of doing what is right.”
