While a few Democrats have called to start impeachment proceedings, Nancy Pelosi has taken a much more cautious approach. But today for the first time since the redacted Mueller report came out she is giving more indications of her thoughts. In a statement to Democratic colleagues Monday the Speaker of the House wrote:
While we do not have the full report and the underlying exhibits, including the grand jury testimony, two of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s conclusions stand out: one, the “sweeping and systematic” Russian interference in our elections; and two, the President’s repeated efforts to thwart cooperation with the independent prosecutors in their pursuit of justice.
She went on to say:
While our views range from proceeding to investigate the findings of the Mueller report or proceeding directly to impeachment, we all firmly agree that we should proceed down a path of finding the truth. It is also important to know that the facts regarding holding the President accountable can be gained outside of impeachment hearings.
While she notes that she is talking to committee chairs about what the next step should be, she also expressed frustration at the Republican response (or lack thereof) to the report’s revelations:
Whether currently indictable or not, it is clear that the President has, at a minimum, engaged in highly unethical and unscrupulous behavior which does not bring honor to the office he holds. It is also clear that the Congressional Republicans have an unlimited appetite for such low standards.
