U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider Now Supports Trump Impeachment Inquiry

DEERFIELD, IL — U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider Thursday became the latest Democratic member of Congress to call for the opening of an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump. In a statement, Schneider said he changed his mind on the subject due to the Trump administration's unwillingness to cooperated with congressional investigations.

"I previously believed that Congress’s oversight and investigative efforts — through hearings, subpoenas, and lawsuits — were the appropriate vehicle to uncover the truth," Schneider said. "Regrettably, it is clear that the Administration has little regard for the Constitution, is unwilling to provide any information to Congress, and is seeking to play out the clock."

Schneider said a formal impeachment inquiry was the only way to make sure the public has a "comprehensive understanding" of the findings of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation and to hold the president accountable. He said the report found clear evidence that then-candidate Trump and his campaign "eagerly welcomed foreign interference" in the 2016 election and, as president, repeatedly tried to obstruct the investigation into what happened.

"I do not make this decision lightly. It is guided by the oath I took to the constitution and transcends politics. We are a nation of laws, and they must apply to every American, regardless of high office," Schneider said.

"The American people deserve to know the truth about what happened and those who are responsible must be held accountable. An impeachment inquiry is the only way to do so, and I support opening one immediately."

Schneider joins a majority of House Democrats and becomes the ninth Illinois congressperson among the state's 13-member delegation to support an impeachment inquiry. Rep. Lauren Underwood of Crystal Lake, whose district voted for Trump, announced her support for impeachment Monday.

The congressman from Deerfield is the 135th Democrat to announce support for impeachment or opening an inquiry. Another 100 members do not yet support moving toward possible impeachment, according to a running tally from Politico.

Four Illinois representatives — Danny Davis and Bobby Rush of Chicago, Robin Kelly of Matteson and Jan Schakowsky of Evanston — have already voted in favor Texas Rep. Al Green's most recent impeachment resolution, which garnered 95 votes last month.

Four others — Cheri Bustos of East Moline, Bill Foster of Naperville, Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg, Dan Lipinski of Western Springs — have not said they support for an impeachment inquiry. Michigan Congressman Justin Amash is the lone Republican to back impeachment.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has not supported an impeachment inquiry, last month said Democratic leaders would proceed only when they have what they "need to proceed, not one day sooner,"

"Their advocacy for impeachment only gives me leverage," Pelosi said. "I have no complaint with what they are doing."

If, after opening an inquiry, the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives passes an impeachment resolution, the matter will head to the Senate, where there is a Republican majority. A two-thirds vote is needed for conviction — meaning it would take the support of at least 20 Republican senators to remove the president from office.