Republicans and Democrats both voted overwhelmingly against an attempt to impeach President Donald Trump.
Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) had forced a vote on a resolution he had introduced to impeach Trump. A motion to kill the attempt was approved with 364 to 58 votes.
Green went against the will of House Democratic leaders in pushing for the vote using a procedural tactic that allows a single member to force a vote.
In U.S. history only two Presidents have been impeached, Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton.
Impeachment of a president is a rare act and would be considered in cases of “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”
One action of Trump Greene disapproved of, but is by no means a reason for impeachment, is Trump’s order to limit travel from terror-prone countries to the United States.
Despite Trump’s decisive Electoral College victory last year, many elected Democrats as well as progressive groups appear to have refused to accept the outcome.
In Congress, Democrats have resorted to obstructing Trump’s appointments—Trump’s nominees have been approved at an historically slow pace—and any legislation that would advance his agenda.
Last week, the Senate voted in favor of a Tax Bill without any support from Democrats.
However, Green’s action was seen as too extreme, for even the Democratic leadership. House Minority Speaker Nancy Pelosi tried in vain to convince Green not to introduce his impeachment article.
The White House described Green and his supporters as “extremists.”
“It’s disappointing that extremists in Congress still refuse to accept the President’s decisive victory in last year’s election,” spokesman Raj Shah said in a statement.
“Their time would be better spent focusing on tax relief for American families and businesses, and working to fund our troops and veterans through the holiday season rather than threaten a government shutdown.”
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