(KERO) — The House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump for the second time, marking the fourth impeachment of a US president in history. Trump also became the first president to be impeached by the House twice.
Congress admonished his role in last week's riot at the U.S. Capitol that killed five people. Ten Republican representatives joined the Democratic majority in voting in favor of impeachment. Among those was California Rep. David Valadao (21st District).
In a series of tweets, Valadao said that he had to vote his conscience.
"President Trump was, without question, a driving force in the catastrophic events that took place on January 6 by encouraging masses of rioters to incite violence on elected officials, staff members, and our representative democracy as a whole. Based on the facts before me, I have to go with my gut and vote my conscience. I voted to impeach President Trump. His inciting rhetoric was un-American, abhorrent, and absolutely an impeachable offense. It’s time to put country over politics."
President Trump was, without question, a driving force in the catastrophic events that took place on January 6 by encouraging masses of rioters to incite violence on elected officials, staff members, and our representative democracy as a whole.
— Rep. David Valadao (@RepDavidValadao) January 13, 2021
What happens next in the impeachment process is unclear. Trump, whose term comes to an end on Jan. 20, will likely remain in power until the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stated Wednesday that he will not call the Senate back to Washington this week, and is still weighing his options when the Senate returns next week. The Senate could consider Trump’s impeachment after he leaves office. The Senate could vote to ban him from holding federal office ever again, which would preclude him from running for president in 2024.
The House of Representatives considered one article of impeachment against Trump — inciting an insurrection.
