What is impeachment?
Impeachment is the formal process — outlined in Article II of our Constitution — for the legislative branch to bring charges against a public official, including the president.
It’s a vital part of the constitutional separation of powers and allows the people’s representatives in Congress to hold the executive branch accountable.
The House of Representatives can pass articles of impeachment with a majority vote — and once they have, the Senate conducts a trial and removes the official from office if they are found guilty by a two-thirds supermajority vote.
What is an impeachment inquiry?
An impeachment inquiry is a thorough, public investigation by the House of Representatives to determine whether or not the President of the United States committed an impeachable offense.
This is the first step of the impeachment process — and gives Congress the legal standing it needs to break through stonewalling tactics like instructing witnesses not to testify and ignoring subpoenas.
It also helps to educate the American people about a president’s wrongdoing through public, televised hearings and ongoing investigation.
Why are impeachment and removal necessary?
President Trump has repeatedly violated his oath of office to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
From abusing his power by soliciting a bribe from the Ukraine government, to obstructing justice in the Russia investigation, to failing to safeguard our elections, to profiting off the presidency, to breaking campaign finance laws, President Trump has shown a pattern of impeachable conduct.
Congress has a constitutional duty to address these and other impeachable offenses.
You can read more about our legal, nonpartisan case for impeachment in our latest report >>
How many representatives voted in favor of impeachment?
On December 18th, 2019 the U.S. House voted on two articles of impeachment against President Trump: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
On Article I (abuse of power), the House voted 230 in favor, 197 opposed, 1 present.
On Article II (obstriction of Congress), the House voted 229 in favor, 198 opposed, and 1 present.
You can find out how your member of Congress voted by entering your address here >>
What can I do to help?
You can make a difference by putting pressure on your members of Congress to vote to hold President Trump accountable.