Top US House Democratic leaders said on Monday they will vote “present” on a motion to table an impeachment resolution against President Donald Trump, maintaining that any formal impeachment effort should come only after a more extensive congressional investigation.
A “present” vote records a lawmaker’s participation without taking either the yes or no position.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar announced their position in a joint statement as the House considers H.Res. 1486, introduced by Democratic Rep. Al Green on August 24.
The resolution seeks Trump’s impeachment for alleged high crimes and misdemeanors and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
While sharply criticising Trump’s conduct and accusing the Republican-controlled House of failing to hold his administration accountable, the Democratic leaders stopped short of supporting an immediate impeachment vote.
They argued that such a step should follow a comprehensive congressional investigation involving the collection of documents, witness testimony, hearings and public scrutiny.
“Impeachment is a sacred constitutional vehicle designed to hold a corrupt executive accountable for abuse of power, breaking the law and violating the public trust,” the leaders said.
They maintained that the investigative work necessary to proceed with impeachment had not yet been completed.
“Accordingly, we will again vote ‘present’ on the motion to table the impeachment resolution as we continue our fight to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, while committing to holding the crooks accountable using every tool available to us beginning on day one,” they said.
The Democratic leadership also said its immediate priorities include addressing the cost of groceries, gasoline, consumer goods and health care.
Green’s resolution contains articles accusing Trump of abusing presidential power through his administration’s handling of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.
It cites the deaths of Renee Good, Alex Pretti, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero and alleges violations of constitutional rights and court orders.
The claims are allegations contained in Green’s impeachment resolution and have not been established as findings by the House of Representatives.