The US House of Representatives has taken the rare step of impeaching a president.
For just the third time in American history, the House approved articles of impeachment — in this case, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress against Donald Trump. Both votes were largely along party lines Wednesday.
Republicans like Jodey Arrington of Texas have railed against the proceedings for months. Arrington says impeachment has advanced for all the wrong reasons.
Kansas lawmakers have not issued formal post-hearing statements, but both Senator Jerry Moran and Congressman Roger Marshall have said the process has been partisan — with Marshall saying Democrats have “politically weaponized impeachment.”
Democrats, however, say Trump has violated the Constitution by urging Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden’s son and his relationship with a Ukrainian gas company while withholding almost $400 million in military aid. Here’s Jerry Nadler of New York:
A Senate trial is now likely next month and a two-thirds majority is needed for convictions. Based on the makeup of the Senate, at least 21 Republicans would have to side with Democrats for Trump to be convicted and then removed from office.
Andrew Johnson was the first president impeached back in 1868, with Bill Clinton impeached in 1998. Both avoided conviction.
