HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Two of Michigan’s Republican Congressmen crossed the line to vote for impeachment, and one stalwart conservative explained why he refused to do so.
Freshman Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids, issued the following statement:
“It’s abundantly clear that our election process must be reformed. The discrepancies seen throughout the 2020 election are unacceptable to me and to the people of West Michigan. We must have electoral processes that are beyond reproach and do not allow room for inconsistencies or fraud. These issues, however, cannot be fixed if we set the precedent that Congress can choose the president. In doing so, Congress would strip the power to elect the president from the American people and put it in the hands of the political establishment,” said Congressman Peter Meijer.
“It is not our job to disqualify electors based on our own beliefs as to whether fraud occurred in that state’s election. It is Congress’ job to uphold the integrity of the Constitution and respect states’ authority in the election process. Any interpretation otherwise is extremely dangerous and one that threatens the will of the voters. We cannot and should not relegate more powers to the federal government over how states conduct elections. Doing so only gives the Democrats exactly what they have been after for years- to fully federalize election control and trample on states’ constitutionally-granted authority. Just three days ago I swore an Oath to protect and defend the Constitution above any policy agenda. This is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and while I may not be happy with the outcome of this election, the idea of objecting to the Constitution’s clearly defined text regarding Congress’ role is not one I can support.”
Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, wrote:
“Today the President characterized his inflammatory rhetoric at last Wednesday’s rally as “totally appropriate,” and he expressed no regrets for last week’s violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. This sends exactly the wrong signal to those of us who support the very core of our democratic principles and took a solemn oath to the Constitution. I would have preferred a bipartisan, formal censure rather than a drawn-out impeachment process. I fear this will now interfere with important legislative business and a new Biden Administration. But it is time to say: Enough is enough.
“The Congress must hold President Trump to account and send a clear message that our country cannot and will not tolerate any effort by any President to impede the peaceful transfer of power from one President to the next. Thus, I will vote to impeach.”
Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, released the following statement explaining his vote against the second impeachment of President Donald Trump.
“After examining the Article of Impeachment put forward by House Democrats, I do not believe their evidence rises to the constitutional threshold of high crimes and misdemeanors,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “What took place on January 6th was a tragedy. Violence has no place in our political system. With days remaining in President Trump’s term, impeachment further divides our nation and prevents us from coming together. West Michigan expects Congress to move forward and tackle the many issues we face as a nation.”
