Congressman Evans Statement on House Impeachment Vote
This week, Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-02) released the following statement after voting not to table a House resolution calling for the impeachment of President Trump. A decision the Congressman reached on the basis that Congress should have a discussion as to whether the impeachment process should move forward.
Under the U.S. Constitution, impeachment is the responsibility of the House of Representatives, where a simple majority can approve the articles. The Senate then tries the impeachment with two-thirds required for conviction. It applies only to the "President, Vice President, and all civil Officers of the United States." The grounds for impeachment are limited to "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors".
In the current situation, it is the job of this Congress to fully ascertain whether any of the conduct by the president has demonstrated falls within three impeachable zones, and those are improperly exceeding or abusing the powers of the presidency, acting in a manner that is incompatible with the function and purpose of the office, and misuse for personal gain.
"My vote this week reflects my sincere belief and the feedback that I have received from residents in the Second Congressional District of Pennsylvania that President Trump's conduct infringes on the laws, standards, and values our nation holds dear. The Liberty Bell which sits in the middle of downtown Philadelphia is a constant reminder of our nation's humble origins and how we continue our march towards equality and fairness for all. I do not take this vote lightly, and indeed it is with a heavy heart but clean conscience that I made my decision," Congressman Evans said.
Our nation faces, "…an Article I, Section I moment." Over the past few months several prominent individuals have pointed out President Trump's vulnerabilities:
- Senator Bob Corker stated the President could be leading our nation down a path to World War III.
- Venture capitalist Tom Steyer called Mr. Trump a "clear and present danger to the republic" and has called on Democrats to pledge that they would seek to remove him from office if Democrats take back control of the Congress.
- Former Ambassador Thomas Pickering said that President Trump's approach to North Korea was too confrontational.
- Republican Senator from Nebraska, Ben Sasse, has openly questioned the President asking him, "Are you recanting of the Oath you took on January 20 to preserve, protect, and defend the 1st Amendment?"
- Additionally, Antonio Guterres rebuked the President, when he said, "instead of closed doors and open hostility, we need to reestablish the integrity of the refugee protection regime and the simple decency of human compassion."
"I am proud to stand with residents in Philadelphia and Montgomery County, our Commonwealth, and Americans nationwide who are incredibly concerned by President Trump's judgement, decision-making skills, demeanor, fitness to lead, and his Administration's overall disregard for what the implications of these actions mean for the American people. I want to let you know I do not come to the decision of impeachment lightly. I firmly believe that no one is above the Constitution not even the President of the United States. After careful and thoughtful consideration of President Trump's actions over the last 322 days, I voted not to table a House resolution that would have started the impeachment process of President Trump. After being in Congress for over a year and observing President Trump's questionable actions I strongly believe there should at least be a discussion about whether or not President Trump's actions met the bar of impeachment. That is what this week's vote was all about—whether or not the President's actions are an impeachable offense. I am disappointed to see my colleagues in the House overwhelmingly voted to table this measure, but rest assured the impeachment process and discussion is far from over," Evans said.
Media Contact: Becca Brukman, 202-225-4001, Becca.Brukman@mail.house.gov