Pelosi won’t talk as Judiciary Committee moves on impeachment

A testy Nancy Pelosi ripped reporters Thursday for peppering her with questions about impeachment after the House Judiciary Committee approved rules for its investigation into President Trump.

“I’m not answering any more questions on investigations,” Pelosi told reporters at her weekly press conference, after saying she supported the committee’s work.

“I’m not answering any more questions on this subject,” she snapped as the questions kept coming about an issue that has divided her caucus between those pushing for the president’s impeachment and those preaching caution.

The committee’s 24-17 party line vote does not begin formal impeachment proceedings but broadens the panel’s investigative powers — which could eventually lead to articles of impeachment against the president.

The procedures would allow Manhattan Rep. Jerrold Nadler, the committee’s chair, to hold hearings on evidence against the president.

In addition to members being able to question witnesses, staff counsel would be able to grill them for an additional hour instead of the five minutes lawmakers typically get.

Nadler opened the meeting by trying to clear up any confusion ​about the goal of the pane​l​.

​”​Some call this process an impeachment inquiry. Some call it an impeachment investigation. There is no legal difference between these terms, and I no longer care to argue about the nomenclature,” ​he said.

“But let me clear up any remaining doubt: The conduct under investigation poses a threat to our democracy. We have an obligation to respond to this threat. And we are doing so.”

​Rep. Doug Collins, the ranking Republican on the committee, said Nadler was just putting on a show. ​

“My colleagues know very well they don’t have the votes to authorize impeachment proceedings on the House floor, but they want to impeach the president anyway,” ​he said. “So, they are pretending to initiate impeachment.”

​The number of House Democrats who support ​impeachment or an impeachment inquiry stands at 137, far less than needed for passage in the 435-member chamber. ​No Republicans back the effort.

With Post wires

Credit: Source link

The post Pelosi won’t talk as Judiciary Committee moves on impeachment appeared first on Fox USA Live.

from Fox USA Live https://ift.tt/32DscgL