At the time of this publication, there are 116 House Democrats (plus one independent – Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan) calling for an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.
CNN reports that since Robert Mueller’s testimony on Capitol Hill, at least 21 House Democrats have come out publicly in support of an impeachment inquiry. There are currently six committees investigating the sitting president for wrongdoing.
Supporters of an impeachment inquiry include:
Rep. Val Demings (D-Fl) told John Tapper, “I believe it’s pretty clear that the President made numerous attempts to obstruct justice or obstructed justice. And so I believe, based on that information, as I did a month ago, that we have enough to begin those proceedings.”
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), the ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, and colleagues, introduced five Articles of Impeachment against Trump back in 2017. See the articles here and a summary here.
“The time has come to make clear to the American people and to this President that his train of injuries to our Constitution must be brought to an end through impeachment,” Cohen said at the time. “I believe there is evidence that he attempted to obstruct an investigation into Russia’s interference with the U.S. presidential election and links between between Russia and the Trump campaign, most notably the firing of FBI Director James Comey. The president’s blatant refusal to separate himself from his businesses has led to clear instances of conflict of interest that appear to violate both the domestic and foreign emoluments clauses. And his attacks on ‘so-called’ judges and ‘fake news’ have undermined public confidence in the judiciary and the press. It’s time for Congress to take action to stop this reckless and harmful behavior by removing Mr. Trump from office and to defend and uphold the Constitution of the United States.”
Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL-) said, “Congress has the power of impeachment when behavior by the President puts the nation and our laws at risk and I think we are at that point, despite the ongoing, important investigations. Congress needs to step in when there is evidence that the President is interfering with the judicial branch, obstructing or disrupting investigations, or if the President is profiting improperly from his office. This is the start of a long process and it needs to get started now because as a Member of Congress and as a member of the Judiciary Committee, it is my job.”
Rep. Al Green (D-TX) made it clear, “This brings us another step closer to impeachment.”
Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D- NY) said, “Donald Trump is a threat to our national security and to our justice, and once and for all, we are taking a stand to formally call for his impeachment in the name of our constituents, in support of our Constitution, and for the protection of our Democracy. Trump is dangerous and nearly every month that he has served in office, Americans have witnessed some violation of our values, civil liberties, and access to opportunities that represent who we are at home and to our allies around the world. Mr. Trump is failing and has turned back the clock on the more than 50 years of progress our country has made in civil rights and equality. He has obstructed justice, violated the Constitution, and undermined the independence of our judicial system and the freedom of the press. The evidence is there, and the course of action is clear. It’s time to impeach Trump now.”
Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) echoed, “The time has come for the House of Representatives to open an impeachment inquiry into the conduct of President Trump. Endorsing such a course is not easy, and I do not do so lightly, but I believe that the President has left Congress no other option but to pursue it.”
The impeachment inquiry being proposed by the 116 Democrats and 1 Independent is the first step in a potentially lengthy and arduous task that ultimately may or may not prove fruitful for Democrats as they enter the last year leading up to the 2020 Election. But if they do make the effort, will it be enough to bring about lasting change in our country’s shrinking democracy?