Billionaire activist Tom Steyer on Wednesday said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi should “defend our democracy” by following the lead of members of her caucus that are demanding the impeachment proceedings begin against President Trump.
Mrs. Pelosi has resisted those calls, and has instead favored letting the House committees push forward with probes into possible wrongdoing by the Trump administration.
The California Democrat, though, is coming under increasing pressure to change her strategy - including from members of her leadership team and outside groups such as Mr. Steyer’s “Need to Impeach.”
Mr. Steyer targeted Mrs. Pelosi ahead of an emergency meeting Wednesday on Capitol Hill where she planned to discuss the best path forward.
Mr. Steyer pointed out that Reps. David Cicilline of Rhode Island and Mary Gary Scanlon of Pennsylvania are among those that have recently shown “they’re ready to step up and fulfill their duty to the Constitution by beginning an impeachment inquiry.”
“Donald Trump continues to flout the rule of law and show blatant disregard for democratic accountability on a daily basis, but this week, the American people are seeing real leadership in Congress,” Mr. Steyer said. “Now, it’s up to Speaker Pelosi and top Democrats to follow their lead and defend our democracy.”
Opponents of impeachment recognize that whatever would happen in the House is likely to fail in the GOP-controlled Senate.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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