Rep. Sherman Introduces Article of Impeachment Against Trump for Obstruction of Justice

Democratic U.S. Representative from California Brad Sherman has introduced and circulated among his colleagues an Article of Impeachment [pdf] against Donald Trump, alleging that Trump engaged in obstruction when he fired James Comey.

I have introduced H.Res. 438 Articles of #Impeachment of Donald J. Trump for Obstruction of Justice. Statement here: https://t.co/0gKr8ZFg3c pic.twitter.com/yUTDAnPFuJ

— Rep. Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) July 12, 2017

Wow. Centered on firing Comey. I thought the first impeachment attempt would center on emoluments, but obstruction comes at ya fast. https://t.co/62bv51D3KT

— Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) July 12, 2017

Sherman, who has served in the House for two decades, "circulated an Article of Impeachment to all Members of the House, Democrat and Republican, seeking their input and support," according to a press release from his office.

In a letter to his colleagues [pdf], Sherman writes:

I would hope that the Article, once submitted, would receive expeditious consideration by the Judiciary Committee. However, if it becomes clear that such consideration is not forthcoming, I (after consultation with colleagues and leadership) will make a privileged motion that the entire House of Representatives immediately debate the Article. At that point, I expect there will be a Motion to Table, thus triggering our first impeachment-related vote.

Sherman says that he is introducing the Article not because he wants to change national policy and certainly not because he wants to elevate Mike Pence to the presidency ("I served with Mike Pence in Congress for twelve years and I disagree with him on just about everything. I never dreamed I would author a measure that would put him in the White House."), but "to begin a long process to protect our country from abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and impulsive, ignorant incompetence."

I am very much in favor of that. Thank you, Rep. Sherman.