Palmer Condemns Capitol Violence, But Against Article Of Impeachment

For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Elizabeth Hance (202)-225-4921

Palmer Condemns Capitol Violence, But Against Article Of Impeachment

Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives has unveiled an article of impeachment against President Donald Trump, for "inciting violence against the Government of the United States." Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) released the following statement:

"This vote is not how we move forward as a country," Palmer said. "The events of January 6 made for one of the darkest days I've experienced during my time in Congress, but a vote on an article of impeachment one week before a presidential transition only serves to intensify division and anger.

"I am also concerned by the lack of process and precedent for this impeachment. We are now in the process of impeaching a President because of a political speech and we're doing it with basically none of the normal steps. The bipartisan Congressional Research Service notes that there are generally three phases to an impeachment process: ‘(1) initiation of the impeachment process; (2) Judiciary Committee investigation, hearings, and markup of article of impeachment; and (3) full House consideration of the articles of impeachment.' We haven't even given lip service to the first two steps. Furthermore, it sets a dangerous precedent to impeach anyone for political rhetoric without due process or opportunity for defense, and it makes this process looks more like an inquisition than an impeachment.

Palmer continued, "It is critical to remember that the Constitution names ‘high crimes and misdemeanors' as the standard for impeaching a President. No matter how frustrated we become, we cannot undermine the office of the President, or our government's crucial separation of powers, by rushing to impeach without examining the context and surrounding evidence. The lack of thorough investigation to determine who actually instigated the attack on the Capitol, and whether or not the attack was pre-planned, raises grave concerns about the motives behind this rush to impeach. The entire American public, regardless of individual political allegiances or views of the President, deserves to know all the facts. To deny them that will only intensify the distrust of the government.

Palmer concluded, "I strongly condemn the attack on the Capitol last week. There is no excuse for it, and I hope everyone who took any part will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. But I do not believe an impeachment is beneficial to our country at this difficult moment. In short, this move will only encourage deeper division and bitterness on all sides at a time when we desperately need to unify."

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