Now that articles of impeachment have been finalized by congressional committee, Central new York’s representatives are indicating how they’ll vote when the two measures come before the house.
Republican John Katko (NY-24) continues to criticize the process as being too harsh, given the circumstances.
“After thoroughly studying the arguments for and against impeachment, I have come to the inescapable conclusion that, while I believe some of the President’s actions were wrong and inappropriate, they do not rise to the level of an impeachable offense. Never in the history of our country have we impeached a President without articulating specific crimes. I firmly believe doing so now would set a dangerous precedent. For these reasons, I will be voting ‘no’ on the Articles of Impeachment before the House next week, ” Katko said in a written statement.
He says he kept an open mind, and as a former prosecutor, objectively reviewed testimony and evidence.
Democrat Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) has not as yet been as definitive on how his vote will go.
“As I’ve said from the beginning, the allegations against the President are deeply troubling and we need to get the facts. I am saddened that the White House blocked senior Administration officials, who could have shined more light on the situation, from testifying. This is a serious matter and deserves thoughtful consideration. I will be reviewing the transcripts and testimony and will make a decision based on the evidence in the coming days.”
However, Brindisi secured a major benefit for his area in the recently passed defense bill, which requires the military to buy U-S made silverware; the only American flatware maker is in his district, in Sherrill. The provision could be seen as an enticement by Democratic leadership to secure Brindisi’s impeachment vote.
While Brindisi has stayed uncommitted, back in October he voted in favor of ground rules for the house to proceed with impeachment. He said at the time that he wanted to see the evidence that would come out in the hearings.
The impeachment issue has dominated news coverage during the various hearings. Katko believes, whatever the outcome or people’s opinions, it’s had other damaging effects.
“There’s no question that this process has sharply divided our country. Now, more than ever, Congress must put down the swords and work across party lines to find common ground on the issues that matter to our nation: growing our economy, keeping our country safe, and addressing the heroin and synthetic drug epidemic, to start,” he said in a release.
