Pelosi Playing Fast and Loose with the Constitution [OPINION]

I'm no Constitutional expert but I recall a few things from high school civics class, and one of them is that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) has no authority to hold on to the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

Pelosi has no veto power and once legislation – or in this case articles of impeachment – are approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, she is obligated by law to quickly deliver it to the U.S. Senate for consideration. Once the House votes to approve something, Pelosi's role is more clerical than anything and she must get the matter to the Senate quickly.

There has been lots of speculation that Pelosi and her merry band of co-conspirators have gotten cold feet and are suddenly afraid to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate. I disagree. Pelosi is a master of her craft. She wants to attempt to control the process for as long as possible and is looking to influence the Senate trial if there is to be one, to the extent possible.

Pelosi knows that Trump most likely will not be removed from office but she wants him as bruised and battered as possible heading into the 2020 elections. It's their only hope of defeating him at this point.

Senate Republicans have to move quickly to force Pelosi to adhere to the Consitution by advancing the articles of impeachment before she is allowed to manipulate the situation further.

Pelosi is famous for reminding Trump that he is not above the law. Well, neither is she and she should be held accountable for attempting to obstruct Congress by not immediately advancing the articles of impeachment.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.