All House Democrats from Washington support impeachment inquiry

SEATTLE — All seven of Washington’s Democratic U.S. House members are now calling for an impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump.

The Seattle Times reports that Reps. Kim Schrier, Suzan DelBene, Derek Kilmer, and Denny Heck on Sunday cited corruption, obstruction of justice and failure to protect elections from foreign interference as justifications for an impeachment inquiry, which would be a first step in a lengthy process.

Democratic Sen. Patty Murray also voiced support for an inquiry.

Murray, in a statement, said as Congress has learned more “about the gravity of the potential threats to our democracy identified in Special Counsel (Robert) Mueller’s report, it has become clear the House should begin proceedings to determine whether the president’s actions necessitate impeachment.”

In May, U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, of Seattle, was the first House member from Washington to call for an impeachment inquiry. Rep. Adam Smith joined Jayapal in June, citing obstruction of justice and efforts to undermine Congress. Rep. Rick Larsen added his support earlier this month.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday that the House would decide whether to begin impeachment proceedings “when we have a best strongest possible case” and that such a decision “will be made in a timely fashion.”

Kilmer said that testimony amplified evidence laid out in the Mueller report, prompting him to change his position on impeachment. He is most troubled by evidence that president has sought to obstruct justice.

“Obstructing justice and accepting assistance from foreign governments simply cannot be a standard that we accept,” Kilmer said in a statement.