Some Democrats, who have been reluctant to support impeaching President Donald Trump, are now reconsidering the idea as they look to gain access to sensitive documents and testimony, Politico is reporting.
Lawmakers and legal experts say that starting impeachment proceedings would strengthen Democrats’ arguments that they should be able to see Trump’s tax returns, interview senior officials and have access to special counsel Robert Mueller’s evidence.
So far, the administration has argued it doesn’t need to let Congress have the information.
But Politico noted that courts have ruled that Congress has a greater claim to government documents and personal information when it can point to an ongoing legal matter instead of just a congressional probe.
The start of impeachment proceedings could help Democrats in their efforts.
“One could imagine that if this stonewalling of the American people continues, that that may be something the committee would have to consider,” Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., said.
House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler recently remarked that his committee had been able to get access to needed investigative materials during the Nixon and Clinton administration.
“If the chairman truly wanted to get at this information, then he can go to what I believe many in their heart desire is, is open the impeachment inquiry,” Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., said.
But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has warned that Democrats shouldn’t be goaded into impeaching the president.
"That’s why I have said when people keep after me on the impeachment, (Trump is) not worth it," she said.
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