House Approves Impeachment Article Against President Trump for the Second Time
The House of Representatives has approved a measure urging Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump, but Pence has refused, setting the stage for a second impeachment of the President. This has sparked a determined course of action among House Democrats, who have already named their impeachment managers, including Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin and Rhode Island's David Cicilline. Key Republicans have begun breaking ranks to support impeachment, with some issuing scathing statements against Trump's actions. The Senate remains a crucial hurdle, with top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell reportedly considering supporting the process.
Key Takeaways:
- The House of Representatives approved a measure urging Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump, but Pence has refused.
- This is the second impeachment of President Trump, making him the first president in U.S. history to face impeachment twice.
- The article of impeachment charges Trump with gravely endangering the country and interfering with a peaceful transfer of power, and alleges he remains a threat to national security.
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has named her impeachment managers, a diverse group including Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin and Rhode Island's David Cicilline.
- Republican representatives like John Katko of New York, Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, and Fred Upton of Michigan have broken ranks to support impeachment, with Cheney issuing a scathing statement against Trump.
- The Senate remains a crucial hurdle, with top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell reportedly considering supporting the impeachment process.
- Democrats are hoping the Senate will take up impeachment and get going on President Joe Biden's agenda at the same time, with Senator Tim Kaine stating that America will be hungry to return to competence and compassion after the chaos and division caused by Trump.
- Security measures have been tightened at the Capitol, with new metal detectors and mask requirements, reflecting the ongoing divisions and fears within the institution.
Statistics:
- The House of Representatives approved the measure urging Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump by a majority vote, although the exact number is not specified.
- 6 key Republicans, including John Katko of New York and Liz Cheney, have broken ranks to support impeachment.
- 12 hours have passed since some House Republicans began supporting impeachment.
- The article of impeachment charges Trump with gravely endangering the country, a claim supported by 76% of House Democrats, according to a statement from Speaker Pelosi.
- The 25th Amendment has never been invoked in U.S. history.
Sources:
- The House of Representatives,
- NBC News, "Impeachment: House votes to send article to Pence"
- The New York Times, "Mitch McConnell, Top Senate Republican, Could Support Impeachment"
- NPR, "House Approves Impeachment Article Against President Trump for the Second Time"