One senior pro-impeachment Democratic operative said the idea of a select panel “had merit” in that it would mark an aggressive step forward for the party while potentially giving some distance to those Democratic members on the Judiciary Committee and elsewhere who remain uncomfortable with forcing the matter. Under House rules, Speaker Nancy Pelosi would have power to appoint not only the chair of a select committee but its members, as well.

But the move also comes with some risks. Among them, it is unclear who might be the chair of a special committee—but it would not necessarily be Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY), whose committee has historically wielded Congress’ authority to impeach. Nadler would likely fight any effort to limit his jurisdiction, of which a select committee would be one.

Select committees on impeachment have been used differently through history; they may investigate impeachment and then also draft articles, or they may only do one of those things. Establishing a select committee is not a necessary part of the impeachment process, however.