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CNN Live Event/Special
The Second Trump Impeachment Vote; Now: House Debating Article of Impeachment. Aired 2-2:30p ET
Aired January 13, 2021 - 14:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[14:00:00] REP. STEVE COHEN (D-TN) Susan Collins said, "He's learned a pretty big lesson. He was impeached." Then he brought his it will be wild ride (ph) television show that he produced for one person, individual one. Intelligence reports indicate that the people that he said he loves and are special are going to attack this Capitol next week. He has not asked them not to do it, he has not told them to stand down. I most fear January 20 because I think he will try to...
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time has expired.
COHEN: ...go out with a bang and take -- and take attention away from Joe Biden.
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time has expired and there will be order in the house. The -- the gentleman from New York reserves, the gentleman from Ohio is recognized.
JORDAN: Madam Speaker, statement from the President, "I urge that there must be no violence, no lawbreaking, no vandalism of any kind. This is not what I stand for, this is not what American stands for, I call on all Americans to help ease tensions and calm down." Just put out that statement by the President of the United States.
I yield two minutes to the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Cline.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Virginia is recognized for two minutes.
CLINE: Thank you Madam Speaker and I thank the President for his words. Above the interest of the House of Representatives is a sculpture called the Apotheosis of Democracy, it depicts allegorical peace dressed in armor and protecting the genius of American. Last week that piece was tragically torn apart as our U.S. Capitol was invaded for the first time since the War of 1812.
A violent mob including many with the most hostile of intentions broke past security barriers and unleashed destruction and chaos throughout the Capitol. When it was over six individuals who were dead including two Capitol Police officers. I've always supported the right of citizens to peacefully assemble but those who breached the Capitol and assaulted and killed Capitol Police should be prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. If their intent was to stop the constitutional requirement of this body to count electoral votes they should be charged and prosecuted for insurrection against the government. But we are a nation of laws, not of men and the legal standard for incitement to violence has not been met. Now, a week since the riots threatened the people's house and a week until a new President takes office we are rushing through an impeachment without all of the facts and evidence and without due process. We don't know what kind of information the offenders have, what evidence will come out during their trials, whether it bolsters the majorities claims or the minorities views or whether it implicates other individuals groups or other officials in the attack on this hallowed institution.
We just don't know and that's why we must treat the power of impeachment and our responsibility as holders of this power with the seriousness and solemnity it deserves. Let us gather the evidence, let us hear the judiciary, make an informed decision together. This action will only further fuel the political divide among our citizens and will be detrimental to the long term effects to efforts to unify our country.
I reiterate my call from last night, let us work together, both President Trump and President Elect Biden have called for a peaceful transition of power, I humbly beseech my colleagues to work toward this end to unify our country and not go down this dangerous path.
I yield back.
SPEAKER: The gentleman yields back. This time the gentleman from Ohio wishes to reserve. The gentleman from New York is recognized.
NADLER: Madam Speaker I now yield 30 seconds to distinguished gentleman from Rhode Island, Mr. Langevin.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Rhode Island is recognized for 30 seconds.
LANGEVIN: Madam Speaker, January 6th was a horrific day for our country, for our democracy. The Capitol was breached, the blood of our defenders spilled, all because of a lie that the elections were stolen. A lie that is infected this nation as perniciously as the pandemic.
President Trump is the source of that lie, he has perverted and betrayed his oath to defend the Constitution, attacking the foundation of our Democracy by inciting his supporters to violence. He is not fit to serve and is a danger to our country while he does. I too pledge to support and defend...
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time has expired.
LANGEVIN: ...the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. I will uphold that (off it), I will vote to impeach President Trump. I urge my colleagues to do the same.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from New York wishes to reserve. The gentleman from Ohio is recognized.
JORDAN: Thank you Madam Speaker. I yield one minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Mr. Perry. SPEAKER: The gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized for one minute.
PERRY: What did the speaker know and what did other legislative leaders know and when did they know it? Maybe that's a rush to impeach the President because so we'll never know what legislative leaders here knew. The FBI knew about a number of individuals that were planning a war on the Capitol including killing police officers and they shared the information but nothing happened.
The Chief Federal Prosecutor in Washington stated he is pursuing conspiracies charges. The fact that IEDs were constructed and placed informs me that was -- that there was pre-planning for portions of the tragic events last week. How does the President incite an attack that was pre-planned and already under way before his speech concluded?
Now I know my colleagues on the left want America to believe that the President incited a spontaneous riot that they'd like to call an insurrection but the facts are stubborn things if and when you choose to ignore them.
[14:05:00]
The truth is the multiple lawless and violent events last summer including months long siege of a Federal Court House, burning, looting, physical violence in so called sanctuary cities were closely...
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time has expired.
PERRY: ...fit to the definition of insurrection...
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time has expired.
PERRY: ...the President said last week and a Democrat of this very chamber did nothing to encourage it.
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time has expired. The gentleman from Ohio wishes to reserve. The gentleman from New York is recognized.
[14:10:00]
NADLER: Madam Speaker I yield 30 seconds to the distinguished gentleman from Virginia Mr. Connolly.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Virginia is recognized for 30 seconds.
CONNOLLY: I thank my friend. The American people are asking, is there any depravity to love? Is there any outrage to far? Is there any blood and violence to much to turn hearts and minds in this body instead of the usual justification, rationalization, and enabling and false equivalence we have to hear? This is a moment of truth my friends. Are you on the side of chaos and the mob or on the side of constitutional democracy and our freedom? It's that simple. That's what this vote for impeachment represents.
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time has expired. CONNOLLY: I yield back.
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time has expired. The gentleman from New York reserves. The gentleman from Ohio is recognized.
JORDAN: Madam -- Madam Speaker could I inquire how much time each side has?
SPEAKER: Yes you may. The gentleman from Ohio has 25 minutes remaining.
JORDAN: 21?
SPEAKER: The gentleman has 25 minutes...
JORDAN: 25 thank you.
SPEAKER: ...remaining. The gentleman from New York has 31 and one quarter remaining. The gentleman from Ohio.
JORDAN: We would reserve.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Ohio wishes to reserve. The gentleman from New York is recognized.
NADLER: Madam Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Colorado, Mr. Crow.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Colorado is recognized for 30 seconds.
CROW: Madam Speaker last week I stood in that gallery to defend this chamber against the violent mob called here by Donald Trump. I have dedicated my life to the defense of our nation and Donald Trump is a risk to all that I love.
Some of my Republican colleagues are afraid of the consequences of an impeachment vote but this Congress sends our young men and -- men and women to war everyday. I'm not asking you to storm the beaches of Normandy but only show a fraction of the courage we ask of our troops everyday. Leadership is hard, it's time to impeach.
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time has expired. The gentleman from New York continues to reserve. The gentleman from Ohio.
JORDAN: We reserve.
SPEAKER: He reserves. Ohio reserves. The gentleman from New York.
NADLER: Madam Speaker I yield 30 seconds to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Davis.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Illinois is recognized for 30 seconds.
D. DAVIS: Thank you Madam Speaker. I heard a few minutes ago that there had been no hearings. Well, I have heard from the people of the 7th District of Illinois, they have told me what to do. They have said impeach this President, impeach this President and do it now. I will follow their instructions and vote yes to impeach this President and I yield back.
SPEAKER: The gentleman yields back. The gentleman from New York reserves. The gentleman from Ohio is recognized.
JORDAN: Yes. We continue to reserve.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Ohio continues to reserve. The gentleman from New York is recognized.
NADLER: Madam Speaker I now yield 30 seconds to the distinguished gentlelady from Texas, Ms. Escobar.
SPEAKER: The gentlewoman from Texas is recognized for 30 seconds.
ESCOBAR: Thank you Madam Speaker. On January 6th terrorists attacked the United States of America. It was an attempted coup and in insurrection but what I hope Americans understand as -- is that it was a terrorist attack against our country. Those who came and participated must be found and prosecuted. Those who aided and abetted must be found and prosecuted and the man who incited it, President Donald J. Trump, our greatest national security threat must be impeached, held accountable, and never be allowed to hold office again.
I yield back.
SPEAKER: Gentlewoman yields back. The gentleman from New York reserves. The gentleman from Ohio.
JORDAN: Yes. Madam Speaker we reserve.
SPEAKER: Reserve. The gentleman from New York is recognized.
NADLER: Madam Speaker I now yield 30 seconds to distinguished gentlelady from California, Ms. Eshoo.
SPEAKER: The gentlewoman from California is recognized for 30 seconds.
ESHOO: Madam Speaker future generations are not going to know the names of each member in the Chamber today and voting but they will know what we did and why. We must impeach the President because he incited a mob that attacked the Capitol of the United States, the tabernacle of our Democracy. He is incapable of honoring his oath and our Constitution and he has proven to be unfit and dangerous. I will vote to impeach...
SPEAKER: The gentlewoman's time is expired.
ESHOO: ...this traitor to our country.
SPEAKER: The gentlewoman yields back. The gentleman from New York reserves. The gentleman from Ohio.
JORDAN: Reserve. SPEAKER: Reserves his time. The gentleman from New York is recognized.
NADLER: Madam Speaker I now yield 30 seconds to distinguished gentleman from New York, Mr. Espaillat.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from New York is recognized for 30 seconds.
ESPAILLAT: Madam Speaker, today, I cast my vote for the second time to impeach Donald J. Trump. He is unfit to hold office. He summons and dispatch his mob to kidnap and hurt many of us. He is unfit to hold office. He summons and dispatch his mob to assassinate Vice President Pence, to assassinate Speaker Pelosi. He is unfit to hold office. He summons and dispatch his a mob -- a mob that waved the racist Confederate flag, then assaulted this Capitol, resulted in the death of five Americans, including two Capitol Police officers. He is unfit...
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time has expired.
ESPAILLAT: ... to hold office. We must impeach now.
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time has expired. The gentleman from New York reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from Ohio is recognized.
JORDAN: Reserve.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Ohio continues to reserve. The gentleman from New York.
NADLER: Madam Speaker, I now yield 30 seconds to the distinguished the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Garcia.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Illinois is recognized for 30 seconds.
J. GARCIA: Madam Speaker, I rise today in the strongest possible support for the impeachment of Donald J. Trump. When Trump made a last desperate attempt to steal the presidency, to reject the will of the people by encouraging insurrection, he became the first president to incite an attempted overthrow of the institutions he is sworn to protect. That is a horrifying first, and his actions necessitate another. He should be the first president impeached and removed from office in the history of our country. I voted to impeach him once, and I'm ready to do it again.
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time has expired.
J. GARCIA: I yield back.
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time is expired. The gentleman from New York reserves. The gentleman from Ohio?
JORDAN: Reserve.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Ohio continues to reserve. The gentleman from New York is recognized. NADLER: Madam Speaker, I now yield 30 seconds to the distinguished gentlelady from Texas, Ms. Garcia.
SPEAKER: The gentlewoman from Texas is recognized for 30 seconds.
S. GARCIA: Madam Speaker, this president took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. Instead, he has chosen to betray and attack our sacred democracy. This president violated his oath. He abused the power of his office, attempted to betray the will of the American people and incited insurrection against this very house.
During the last impeachment trial, I reminded all Americans that democracy is a gift that each generation gives to the next. We must do all that -- to protect it.
SPEAKER: The gentlewoman's time is expired.
S. GARCIA: For our children and our future, we must impeach him. Thank you.
SPEAKER: The gentlewoman's time has expired.
NADLER: (OFF MIKE) I reserve.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from New York reserves. The gentleman from Ohio is recognized.
JORDAN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I yield two minutes to the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Steube.
SPEAKER: The gentleman's yielding two minutes, is that correct?
JORDAN: Two minutes.
SPEAKER: Two minutes to the gentleman from Florida.
STEUBE: Thank you, Madam Speaker. For three years, Democratic members of this body and the mainstream media lied to the American people that the Trump campaign colluded and conspired with Russia -- for years. After an exhaustive investigation, it was found that there was no evidence that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia. Should Democratic members of this body resign for lying to the American people repeatedly and sowing division and dissention all across America, and it was all a lie.
You have brought one article of impeachment to the floor, and your one allegation alleges, and I quote, "Donald John Trump engaged in high crimes and misdemeanors by inciting violence against the government of the United States." In D.C., it's a crime to, quote, "intentionally or recklessly act in such a manner to cause another person to be in reasonable fear and to incite or provoke violence when there is a likelihood that such violence will ensue." There was no language in the president's speech that incited or provoked violence. In fact, at around the 18-minute mark he stated, and quote, "Peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard." You may think that he's inciting violence because he believes there was election fraud. That's his opinion, and he's entitled to that opinion, just like all of you were entitled to your false and fraudulent opinion that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia.
The legal elements of incitement are based on the Supreme Court case, Brandenburg v. Ohio in which the Supreme Court set the standard for speech that could be prosecuted without violating the First Amendment. Brandenburg's speech called for violence against groups of Americans, and the court found that Brandenburg's comments were not directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action. The court found that it was protected speech, and he was calling for violence. That's the current law of the land.
The president didn't even mention violence last Wednesday, much less provoke or incite it. There was no crime committed, and therefore, no basis for impeachment, as you need a high crime or misdemeanor for a basis.
[14:15:00]
You have created a mockery out of the impeachment process, and I urge all my colleagues to stand against it and fight the latest fraud being perpetrated against the American people by the radical left.
JORDAN: Nice job.
SPEAKER: The gentleman yields back. The gentleman from Ohio wishes to reserve?
JORDAN: Yes.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from New York is recognized.
NADLER: Madam Speaker, I now yield 30 seconds to the distinguished gentleman from Nevada, Mr. Horsford.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Nevada is recognized for 30 seconds.
HORSFORD: Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the article of impeachment. Last Wednesday's events were not just a breach of a building, but a breach of our democracy, a threat to our republic and to who we are as Americans. Donald Trump incited insurrection against America and attempted to overturn the will of the people. We must send a clear message that committing sedition disqualifies a president from serving another day in office. I urge this body to vote for impeachment. I will, and I yield back.
SPEAKER: The gentle -- the gentleman yields back his time. The gentleman from New York reserves. The gentleman from Ohio is recognized.
JORDAN: Madam Speaker, we reserve.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Ohio continues to reserve. The gentleman from New York?
NADLER: Madam Speaker, I now yield 30 seconds to the distinguished gentlelady from Pennsylvania, Ms. Houlahan.
SPEAKER: The gentlewoman from Pennsylvania is recognized for 30 seconds.
HOULAHAN: Madam Speaker, last evening an 11-year-old girl joined our telephone town hall. Her question shook me to my core. She was worried about the future of this great nation, and I am, too. That is why I must move forward with impeachment of this president. He has endangered this nation. He has betrayed his oath. I do this now for all of us, for our Constitution and for this republic. I do this to tell the world that this great democracy will stand, and no one is above the law, and I do this for our future generations. I urge us all to unite and to vote yes on impeachment. I yield back.
SPEAKER: The gentlewoman yields back. The gentleman from New York reserves. The gentleman from Ohio is recognized.
JORDAN: Madam Speaker, we reserve.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Ohio reserves. The gentleman from New York is recognized.
NADLER: Madam Speaker, I now yield 30 seconds to the distinguished gentleman from California, Mr. Huffman.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from California is recognized for 30 seconds.
HUFFMAN: Madam Speaker, history is watching and saving the receipts. Today, my colleagues across the aisle must choose which side of a very bright line they want to be recorded on for all time. On one side, lies, sedition, inciting and supporting insurrection and domestic terrorism; the other side, your Oath of Office, the Constitution, democracy, decency. There is no middle ground. Today, we make history forever, so choose well. A vote to impeach Donald Trump means years from now, you can look your grandchildren in the eye...
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time has expired.
HUFFMAN: ... and say, "I did the right thing."
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time has expired.
HUFFMAN: Yields back.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from New York continues to reserve. The gentleman from Ohio is recognized.
JORDAN: We reserve, Madam Speaker.
SPEAKER: The gentleman continues to reserve. The gentleman from New York is recognized.
NADLER: Madam Speaker, I now yield 30 seconds to the distinguished gentlelady from California, Ms. Jacobs.
SPEAKER: The gentlewoman from California is recognized for 30 seconds. S. JACOBS: Madam Speaker, the response to political violence must always be accountability. Without accountability, more violence will follow. I learned that working at the United Nations and the State Department in conflict settings around the world, and the United States Congress is now a conflict setting.
A violent mob threatened our lives in this chamber and almost succeeded, incited by the president who broadcasted live about the outcome of our election. We must hold this president accountable. It's the only way to protect our democracy. I yield back.
SPEAKER: The gentlewoman yields back. The gentleman from New York continues to reserve. The gentleman from Ohio is recognized.
JORDAN: Madam -- Madam Speaker, we reserve.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Ohio reserves. The gentleman from New York is recognized.
NADLER: Madam Speaker, I now yield 30 seconds to the distinguished gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Johnson.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Georgia is recognized for 30 seconds.
H. JOHNSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm certain that every member of Congress would say if they had been in Congress when John Lewis walked across that Edmund Pettus Bridge and the Civil Rights Act was passed that they would have stood on the right side of history. Well, Madam Speaker, today, we're going to see exactly what side of history you all are going to be on, and with that, I yield back.
SPEAKER: The gentleman yields back. The gentleman from New York continues to reserve. The gentleman from Ohio is recognized.
JORDAN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would -- I would yield one minute to the gentleman from North Carolina, Mr. Cawthorn.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from North Carolina is recognized for one minute.
CAWTHORN: Madam Speaker, today represents a unique opportunity in our nation's history, an opportunity to put America first, to put her people first. Today is a moment for members of Congress to put aside partisan politicking and place people over power. I urge my colleagues to vote against this divisive impeachment and realize that dividing America will not save this republic.
[14:20:00]
I urge my colleagues to not simply vote for what feels good. Of course, it feels good for the Democrats to have a united constituency for a few more days.
But I was elected to come here and vote for things that actually do good, to bring much-needed help to the American people. I am willing to take the first step and extend my hand across the aisle to say, "Vote against impeachment. Vote in favor of a unified nation, and I will forsake partisanship and work with you, no matter who you are or what party you come from."
Madam Speaker, I urge that we all vote to finally put America First. And with that, I yield back.
SPEAKER: The gentleman yields back. The gentleman from Ohio wishes to reserve.
The gentleman from New York is recognized.
NADLER: Madam Speaker, I now yield 30 seconds to a new member of the House, new member of the Judiciary Committee, the gentleman from New York, Mr. Jones.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from New York is recognized for 30 seconds.
JONES: Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the impeachment of Donald J. Trump, the disgraced, defeated president of the United States. There must be consequences for last week's treason and sedition.
Hundreds if not thousands of Donald Trumps in today's Republican Party aim to run for higher office, and we must send a message that no one in the United States of America is above the law. The world is watching, Madam Speaker. I yield back.
SPEAKER: The gentleman yields back, the gentleman from New York wishes to reserve.
The gentleman from Ohio is recognized.
JORDAN: Reserve.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Ohio reserves.
The gentleman from New York?
NADLER: Madam Speaker, I now yield 30 seconds to the distinguished gentleman from Michigan, Mr. Kildee.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Michigan is recognized for 30 seconds.
KILDEE: Madam Speaker, one week ago, the president of the United States incited a deadly attack on the United States Capitol while a couple of dozen members of this House and I covered ourselves in that gallery, away from the Trump mob, five dead including Capitol Police.
If inciting an insurrection does not warrant impeachment, nothing does. I took an oath to uphold the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. Today, I vote to uphold my oath.
SPEAKER: .. expired. The gentleman from New York wishes to reserve his time.
The gentleman from Ohio is recognized.
JORDAN: Yield -- excuse me, Madam Speaker, I yield one minute to the gentleman from Wisconsin.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from Wisconsin is recognized for one minute.
GROTHMAN: I rise today to strongly object to the articles of impeachment proposed against President Trump, which make the preposterous claim that President Trump wanted or expected the riots that took place last week. He clearly said he wanted peaceful and patriotic demonstration. He did say he wanted people to fight like hell or we're not going to have a country any more, but that's obviously standard hyperbole and was not meant to aim (ph) at (ph) physical fights.
But what is offensive is what you are saying, and inflammatory, about the tens of thousands of peaceful protesters who were there last week as well as the tens of millions of people they represent.
You don't understand why they were here, they're scared to death we're going to go back to the days without Donald Trump, of hundreds of thousands of people crossing this border every month. They're scared to death our -- nobody's going to keep our manufacturing here.
They're scared to death that nobody else will fight the cancel culture as we head towards an era when some things can't be said. They're scared to death that the majority party got here by teaming up with Black Lives Matter, a bunch -- founded by Marxists and the dislike of family.
(CROSSTALK)
SPEAKER: The gentleman's time has expired. The gentleman's time's expired. The gentleman from Ohio wishes to reserve?
JORDAN: I reserve.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from New York is recognized.
NADLER: Madam Speaker, I now yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from California, Mr. Garamendi.
SPEAKER: The gentleman from California is recognized for 30 seconds.
[14:30:00]
