Rep. Ben McAdams to vote in favor of impeaching Trump

(KUTV) — Rep. Ben McAdams (D-UT) said Monday he will vote to impeach President Trump.

"The evidence, for me, is clear... [Trump's] actions weakened our country," McAdams said during a press conference. "I will vote 'yes.'"

The Utah congressman spoke of his disappointment in both Democrats and Republicans during his 11 months of service.

"I recognize that we will in contentious times," he said. "Neither party has the public's confidence to fulfill this serious duty with credibility."

McAdams outlined instances where he believed both parties failed to put the people first.

“Some Democrats are all too gleeful about the serious matter before us and they oppose anything the president does."

“Senate Republicans have ignored 275 bipartisan bills passed by the House, denying progress on many issues," he continued. "House Republicans have dismissed the testimonies of life long public service who have implicated the president."

McAdams stated that the Senate will most likely “acquit the president in a display of partisan theater that the Republicans and Democrats in Washington play disturbingly well.”

I know my vote will not remove the president from office... In 11 months, the people will ultimately decide the president's fate... I trust the people to decide President Trump's consequences.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Steven Groves released the following statement after McAdams' announcement:

"Rep. Ben McAdams, who has touted the importance of bipartisan work in Washington, is siding with Nancy Pelosi and far-left Democrats on their groundless impeachment sham. As President Trump continues to fight for the people of Utah, focusing on quality healthcare reforms and growing our economy, it’s a shame that McAdams is taking his orders from Nancy Pelosi and wasting taxpayer time and resources."

Chase Thomas, executive director of Alliance for a Better Utah, issued the following statement in response to McAdams' announcement:

In spite of out-of-state special interest groups dumping tens of thousands of dollars into Utah to try and influence his vote, McAdams is doing the right thing for his constituents and our country. The evidence is clear and action must be taken to protect the integrity of our elections from foreign influence, especially when that influence is being sought through the power of the presidency.

It's an absolute shame that our other three Representatives refuse to do what's right and are placing party over the good of our nation.

Before today, McAdams had not made a public statement about his vote.

McAdams' office, however, released this statement after the House released two articles of impeachment against Trump on Tuesday, Nov. 10:

"Today, two articles of impeachment were released, which the Judiciary Committee will review and vote to approve later this week. I take seriously my constitutional duty and will take the necessary time to review all the evidence and documents in advance of the final articles being referred to the full House."

"For now, I’m working on pressing issues such as the cost of prescription drugs and implementation of the trade agreement that is so important to Utah’s small businesses – those priories continue to be my focus."

The House Judiciary Committee approved two articles of impeachment on Friday: abuse of power and obstruction of justice. The vote came after a two-day debate.

Democrats argued it was their duty to impeach Trump, while Republicans defended the president and battled over the process, according to the Associated Press.

Trump is accused of abusing his power and betraying the country for urging Ukraine to investigate his political rivals and withholding military aid to the allied country.

If the House approves the vote on Wednesday, it moves to a weekslong 2020 trial in the Senate, where senators are jurors and those in charge of the impeachment inquiry act as prosecutors. The chief justice of the United States presides over the trial.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to name a handful of representatives to argue the Democrats' case in the Senate. It is unknown who those people will be, but the AP reports they are most likely members of the Judiciary and intelligence committees.

If the Senate approves an article of impeachment with a two-thirds "guilty" vote, the president is convicted and removed from office.

If all the articles are rejected, the president is acquitted.

This is the fourth time in history Congress has moved to impeach a president. If he were convicted by the Senate, Trump would be the first to be removed.