Texas Democrat Forces Impeachment Vote
Democratic Representative Al Green from Texas is pushing for a ninth House vote to impeach President Donald Trump. Green, who lost his primary election and will leave Congress next year, introduced H.Res. 1486 on August 24. This resolution accuses Trump of misusing presidential powers by allowing immigration authorities to act without accountability. It refers to the deaths of four individuals: Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Maine.
On Monday, Green informed his colleagues of his intention to bring the resolution to the floor under Rule IX, requiring a vote within two legislative days. “Please accept this letter as a professional courtesy to inform you that I will call for a recorded vote on the floor of the House of Representatives on H.Res. 1486,” Green wrote to Trump, accusing immigration officers of unjustified killings.
No other members of Congress co-sponsored the resolution as per Monday’s records. House Democratic leaders have not supported the resolution.
Democratic Representative Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader, has avoided commenting on impeachment intentions. On ABC’s “This Week,” when asked about pursuing impeachment if Democrats regain the House, Jeffries stated, “We haven’t ruled anything in, and we haven’t ruled anything out.”
White House and Democratic Responses
White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis criticized Green’s resolution. She claimed, “This type of garbage contributes to assaults facing law enforcement officers,” noting a reported rise in assaults on officers. She affirmed the risk ICE and CBP officers embrace to apprehend criminals.
Newsweek reached out to Green’s and Jeffries’ offices for comments.
Chronology of Past Impeachment Efforts
- December 2017: Green filed the first impeachment resolution. The House tabled it; 58 Democrats voted against tabling.
- January 2018: Green filed H.Res.705 after Trump’s comments on immigrants. The House voted 355-66 to table; 121 Democrats joined Republicans.
- July 2019: Green filed another resolution after Trump’s remarks about congresswomen of color. The House voted 332-95 to table it.
- December 2019: The Judiciary Committee led Trump’s first impeachment over Ukraine-related abuses. The Senate acquitted him in February 2020.
- January 2021: Following the Capitol attack, the House impeached Trump on incitement of insurrection. The Senate acquitted him again.
- April-May 2025: Representative Shri Thanedar filed seven articles of impeachment, with Green’s support, withdrawing before floor vote.
- June 2025: Green filed a resolution on unauthorized strikes on Iran. The House voted to table it.
- December 2025: Green accused Trump of abusing power against military veterans. The House tabled once more.
- August-September 2026: Green filed H.Res.1486; the upcoming vote marks his eighth attempt.
Future Implications of Upcoming Elections
Trump faces unique challenges as the only president impeached twice but acquitted each time. Democrats might pursue further impeachment if victorious in the midterms. “You’ve got to win the midterms,” Trump stated, highlighting potential impeachment risks.
Impeachment requires a House majority. Democrats need a few seats to control the House in the upcoming election. The Senate may pose a bigger challenge, needing Democrats to flip seats.
Even a Democratic Senate wouldn’t guarantee Trump’s removal, requiring a two-thirds vote post-trial. Democrats would need broader support than provided by a mere majority.
Former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross expressed confidence in Democratic impeachment efforts if they regain control, suggesting potential Senate conviction if supported.
Representative Jamie Raskin emphasized that impeachment alone won’t address Democratic concerns as past efforts failed. He highlighted ongoing challenges, despite prior accomplishments.
White House response often cites November 2024 elections affirming Trump’s agenda. Spokesman Davis Ingle stated Trump was elected by nearly 80 million voters for his pragmatic policies.