Al Green Reads Articles of Impeachment Against Donald Trump on House Floor

Introduction to Impeachment Proceedings

• 🇺🇸 Representative Al Green of Texas rose to address the House, stating the country is at a crossroads of democracy and autocracy.
• 📜 He announced his intention to bring articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the attention of the House of Representatives.

Articles of Impeachment Presented

• 📄 The resolution, HRES 537, impeaches Donald J. Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors.
• 🏛️ Article One alleges abuse of presidential powers by disregarding the separation of powers and unconstitutionally usurping Congress's power to declare war.

Specific Allegations in Article One

• 💥 The article cites President Trump's order for U.S. military attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran (Ferdow, Natans, and Esther Holland) without constitutionally mandated congressional authorization or notice.
• ✈️ It notes that foreign leaders were given advanced notice of the U.S. military action, while congressional leaders were not appropriately briefed.
• ⚠️ The unilateral use of force without congressional authorization or notice is presented as an abuse of power, especially when there was no imminent threat to the United States.

Constitutional Basis and Conclusion

• ⚖️ The resolution references Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the sole power to declare war.
• 🚨 Representative Green concluded that President Trump's actions constitute an abuse of presidential powers, a threat to American democracy, and warrant impeachment, trial, and removal from office.
• 📌 The Speaker acknowledged the notice of the resolution and stated that a determination on whether it constitutes a question of privilege would be made at a later designated time.