Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Government Processes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Butte-Silver Bow Council refers Mark Phillip’s impeachment request to Judiciary Committee after debate
Summary
A citizen, Mark Phillip, asked the council to recommend the U.S. House begin impeachment proceedings against President Trump; after discussion about jurisdiction and format, the council voted 11–0 to refer Communication 2026-175 to the Judiciary Committee so the petitioner can present and committee members can consider next steps.
The Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners voted unanimously April 1 to refer a citizen communication asking the U.S. House to begin impeachment proceedings against President Trump to the council’s Judiciary Committee.
Mark Phillip, who provided his address as 1150 West Gold, asked the council to "affirm that Butte-America ... recommend that the US House of Representatives vote to impeach President Trump," arguing the administration’s conduct toward Iran was unlawful and that referral to Judiciary was appropriate. "I ask at a minimum, respectfully, for the noted referral to the Judiciary Committee to continue this discussion in greater detail," Phillip said.
Commissioners debated whether an impeachment resolution was within the council’s appropriate scope. "Part of where I'm at feels like this is somewhat out of our purview," said Commissioner Thatcher, urging care about the council’s nonpartisan role. Commissioner Shea and others said local governments commonly pass resolutions urging congressional action, while Commissioners Morgan and Thatcher discussed whether a letter to the congressional delegation might be a more effective channel than a local resolution.
County Attorney Andrews advised that a resolution would need to be drafted and submitted by the requester rather than by the County Attorney’s Office due to the office’s nonpartisan role, but that the office could provide example language and formatting. "This would be a resolution that would have to come from the individual that would be requesting it," Andrews said, adding the office could offer wording examples.
Commissioner Morgan moved to refer Communication 2026-175 (Mark Phillip) to the Judiciary Committee; the motion passed 11–0. Commissioners noted the Judiciary Committee meets next week and invited Mr. Phillip to appear there to present any draft language or further argument.
Why it matters: the referral puts the communication on a committee track for structured deliberation (possibly including consideration of a letter versus a formal resolution), preserves council neutrality during initial consideration, and creates a public record that the petition was received and will be examined.
What’s next: the Judiciary Committee will consider the communication and may request draft language from Mr. Phillip, draft a letter for the council’s consideration, or recommend alternate action to the full council.
