Six Democrats brought forth five articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump on Wednesday, NBC News reports. The Democrats accused him of obstruction of justice among other offenses after announcing plans earlier this month to file for impeachment.
This isn’t the first time representatives have tried to impeach Trump, but attempts usually don’t last very long in the Republican-dominant House. Despite the slim chance of success, this group of Democrats has gone ahead with accusing Trump of obstruction of justice connected to the FBI’s investigation of Russia’s role in the 2016 election. The specific charge reportedly arose out of Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey.
Rep. Steve Cohen: “We believe that President Trump has violated the Constitution and we’ve introduced five articles of impeachment.” pic.twitter.com/GmA1bQGE7r
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) November 15, 2017
“We have taken this action because of great concerns for the country and our Constitution and our national security and our democracy,” said Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee at a news conference. He has joined forces with Democratic Reps. Luis Gutierrez (Illinois), Al Green (Texas), Marcia Fudge (Ohio), Adriano Espaillat (New York) and John Yarmuth (Kentucky) to work on this campaign.
The team’s efforts have led to others’ concern that their actions could harm the Democratic party in the upcoming congressional elections, but Cohen remains optimistic. “I think the Democratic base needs to be activated,” he said. “The Democratic base needs to know there are members of Congress willing to stand up against this president.”
He is, however, aware of the difficult limits their articles of impeachment face in the House, CNN reports. “I don’t expect the House judiciary committee, which is operated like a branch of the administration, to take up hearings,” he said.
The train of injuries to our Constitution must be brought to an end. I was proud to stand with @RepGutierrez @RepAlGreen & @RepEspaillat to introduce articles of #impeachment against Donald Trump, whose actions have become dangerous for democracy. #ImpeachTrump #Resist #Impeach45 pic.twitter.com/fdySowx0H9
— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) November 15, 2017
Prominent figures in Trump’s administration have been clear about their negative views of the Democratic attempts. In a statement, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that the representatives’ time “would be better spent focusing on tax relief for American families and businesses.”
Republican National Committee spokesman Michael Ahrens was also disapproving, saying, “House Democrats lack a positive message and are completely unwilling to work across the aisle, so instead they’ve decided to support a baseless radical effort that the vast majority of Americans disagree with.”