House punts on Trump impeachment vote at 11th hour
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Rep. Shri Thanedar speaks at a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol on May 14. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
A House Democrat abruptly scrapped his plans to force a vote on impeaching President Trump, which was set to come to the House floor on Wednesday, three sources familiar with the matter told Axios.
Why it matters: Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) was under considerable pressure from Democratic leadership to pull the vote, which had angered many of his colleagues.
- One House Democrat told Axios they "saw about 50 members pow-wowing with him on the floor" before his decision to pull the vote.
- "I think they made him realize, like, 'If you do this, there's not going to be anyone here in the caucus that wants to have anything to do with you."
What he's saying: Thanedar said in a statement that "after talking with many colleagues, I have decided not to force a vote on impeachment today."
- "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."
Between the lines: Many Democrats were infuriated by Thanedar's rogue effort, which they saw as premature and overtly political.
- Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) blasted his impeachment push as "idiotic" in a closed-door House Democratic caucus meeting Wednesday morning, with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) backing him up.
- Even Progressive Caucus chair Greg Casar (D-Texas), who planned to vote against a GOP motion to quash Thanedar's measure, called it "doomed" and "unserious" in a note to CPC members.
Yes, but: The headaches may not be over for House Democratic leadership — Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), who has been teasing articles of impeachment for months, told Axios he still plans to force his own vote.
- Asked about the backlash about Thanedar, Green suggested he is clear-eyed but not worried: "I'm sure that people will let me know how they feel."
- Green told Axios he is "already working on multiple articles," but didn't say when he may unveil them.
- The House Democrat who spoke to Axios on the condition of anonymity said they expect the "same standard" that Thanedar faced from leadership will be applied to Green.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.
