Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, announced his support Monday for starting an impeachment inquiry, pushing the number of House members in favor of an inquiry to 80 by The Washington Post’s count.
"During my career, I have learned that there are moments for calculation, prudence, compromise and the careful weighing of competing interests. And there are moments for clarity and conviction. This is such a moment," Himes said in a statement.
The framers placed the power of impeachment not in the courts but in Congress, Himes noted, "so that Congress might consider not just the facts and the letter of the law, but the broader interests of the Republic." On Twitter, Himes added that while removing Trump was probably doomed in the Senate, he thought an impeachment inquiry would be "a fair airing and consideration of the facts that the American people must understand."
Over the weekend, another key Democrat signaled openness to impeachment that hadn't existed before. House Intelligence Chair Adam Schiff, a key ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, told CNN's State of the Union on Sunday that, while he still opposed an impeachment inquiry, "we may get there." Schiff then drew a line in the sand on Trump ignoring court orders.
"What would get me to that point is, if we get to a final court decision compelling the administration to provide testimony and documents, and they still refuse," Schiff explained, "then I think we're in a full-blown constitutional crisis that would compel that kind of remedy."
"I may get there before that point," Schiff added, noting that he was also in constant contact with Pelosi on the matter.
Earlier this month, Schiff was more keen on touting the Democrats’ legislative agenda and ability to conduct oversight “outside the context of impeachment.” So his remarks on Sunday marked a shift in tone.