House Democrats introduce new article of impeachment

To start the week, Democrats in the House of Representatives introduced an article of impeachment against President Donald Trump for the second time in his four-year term. This comes just nine days before President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

House Republicans blocked a resolution which called on Vice President Mike Pence to remove President Trump from office. In response to the blocking of this resolution, Democrats introduced an article of impeachment for his role in the U.S. Capitol riots last Wednesday.

Democrats are waiting to see if Pence will enact the 25th Amendment but are prepared to move forward with impeachment hearings by Wednesday.

“Donald John Trump engaged in high crimes and misdemeanors by willfully inciting violence against the government of the United States,” the article reads. “He threatened the integrity of the democratic system, interfered with the peaceful transition of power, and imperiled a coordinate

branch of government. He thereby betrayed his trust as president, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.”

There are a few Republican lawmakers who are prepared to take action with Democrats, but there are also others who say it will only serve to divide even further.

Though it is only in the House at the moment, Sen. Roger F. Wicker of Mississippi is in opposition to invoking the 25th Amendment or impeachment.

“In accordance with our Constitution, the orderly transfer of power will occur at noon on January 20,” said Wicker. “The best way for our country to heal and move past the events of last week would be for this process to continue.”

If the impeachment goes through, Pence would take over for the remaining days if there are any days left. The

impeachment will mostly serve to ensure Trump cannot run for office again as the trial is expected to bleed into the start of Biden’s presidency per the timeline released by Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell.

An impeachment trial would hinder what Biden wants to accomplish in the pertinent 100 days of office which includes COVID-19 relief measures. It seems this will be what happens as neither Pence nor the Cabinet seem eager to invoke the 25th Amendment.