Michigan Rep. Shri Thanedar chose not to follow through on a threat to force a House vote on impeaching President Donald Trump Wednesday amid mounting pressure from fellow Democrats.
Thanedar did not call up his resolution as expected at a Wednesday evening vote series, and the window for action has now passed.
“After talking with many colleagues, I have decided not to force a vote on impeachment today,” Thanedar confirmed in a text message. “Instead, I will add to my articles of impeachment and continue to rally the support of both Democrats and Republicans to defend the Constitution with me.”
Democrats privately fumed this week after Thanedar pressed forward with his impeachment effort at a moment where they are seeking to put a spotlight on Republicans’ potential cuts to Medicaid and other federal programs as the GOP moves closer to a floor vote on its massive tax-cut bill.
Although many Democrats believe that Trump has committed impeachable offenses — many voted to impeach him twice during his first term — they saw Thanedar’s measure as a sideshow during a crucial week on Capitol Hill.
Several lawmakers — including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Greg Casar of Texas, Brad Schneider of Illinois and Jamie Raskin of Maryland — were spotted earlier in the day talking privately to Thanedar on the floor. Schneider emphasized the need to stay focused this week on the House GOP’s megabill, according to a person familiar with the situation who granted anonymity to describe the private conversation.
But Thanedar had insisted earlier Wednesday he would still force a vote.
Party leaders didn’t formally whip the impeachment measure, but Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar of California said they planned to vote to kill it.
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