WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Reed is calling for President Donald Trump to face justice following last week’s violence at the U.S. Capitol, yet, believes the leader shouldn’t be impeached.
In an op-ed published in the New York Times on Monday, the Republican says there is inadequate time to reasonably investigate, present and debate articles of impeachment against the President.
“All responsible parties, including President Trump, must face justice. Yet, the manner in which President Trump and others are held accountable is a difficult question that demands more scrutiny,” said Reed. “If our leaders make the wrong decision in how to hold him accountable, it could damage the integrity of our system of justice, further fan the flames of division, and disillusion millions of Americans ─ all while failing to accomplish anything.”
The Representative says while the president’s words were unwise, intemperate and wrong, they may not qualify as incitement.
He says the House’s article of impeachment a “Incitement of Insurrection” is an impeachable offense.
“A snap impeachment will undoubtedly fuel the divisions between our citizens at a time when the wounds of Jan. 6 are still raw,” Reed furthered. “With the start of a new administration and a new Congress, there is a real opportunity to build bridges and unite the American people around our shared values.”
Reed says a “too-quick” impeachment will not suddenly change the minds of millions of Americans who still do not recognize the election of President-elect Biden as legitimate.
He believes rushed proceedings will be seen as validating the view that impeachment is part of a multiyear campaign to delegitimize Mr. Trump’s 2016 election.
Democratic lawmakers in the House of Representatives introduced a single charge of impeachment on Monday against the President.
The Democratic-controlled House is expected to take up the matter Wednesday after calling on Vice President Mike Pence to start the U.S. Constitution’s 25th Amendment process of removing Trump from office.
That resolution is expected to pass, but Pence is unlikely to act.
Read the full op-ed by clicking here.
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