Houston Democrats take pre-emptive measures against Trump

In this Monday, May 15, 2017 photo, Congressman Al Green speaks to media during a press conference in which he called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump at the Houston Congressional District Office in Houston. The black Texas congressman said Saturday, May 20, that he's been threatened with lynching by callers infuriated over him seeking impeachment of President Trump. (Godofredo A. Vasquez/Houston Chronicle via AP) less In this Monday, May 15, 2017 photo, Congressman Al Green speaks to media during a press conference in which he called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump at the Houston Congressional District Office ... more Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez, MBO Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez, MBO Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Houston Democrats take pre-emptive measures against Trump 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

WASHINGTON — Congressman Al Green plans to take to the House floor Thursday morning to roll out a constitutional amendment to prevent President Donald Trump from pardoning himself.

"No one is above the law, and this includes the President of the United States of America," the Houston Democrat said in a statement. "The legislation I plan to introduce will make that clear."

Green's initiative involves a draft resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would read: ''The President shall have no power to grant to himself a reprieve or pardon for an offense against the United States.''

His move comes as another Houston Democrat, Sheila Jackson Lee, rolls out a separate amendment condemning any action by Trump to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller or pardon people under investigation in the probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Both pre-emptive measures are seen largely as symbolic given the Republican majority in both houses of Congress.