Support for Impeachment Continues to Mount During August Recess as Grassroots Efforts Highlight Strong Support for Impeachment Among Voters

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) announced his support for a formal impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump. His announcement comes at a time when there is growing pressure for Democratic leadership to act on impeachment. More than half of the Democratic Caucus has come out in support of a formal impeachment inquiry, with nearly 30 representatives voicing their support in recent weeks.

Rep. Takano’s announcement comes on the heels of the creation of a joint partnership formed between Need to Impeach and Common Defense, a leading organization founded during the 2016 presidential election made up of veterans and military families fighting to preserve America’s core values. Need to Impeach and Common Defense entered this partnership to organize and galvanize support among military veterans who support the Congressional impeachment inquiry of Donald Trump.
In response to the combined efforts of Need to Impeach and Common Defense, Rep. Takano issued the following statement:

“As I mentioned in my statement, I cannot ignore the call to defend our institutions, to safeguard our democratic norms, and to stand up for our democracy. It would be a dereliction of duty to sit by idly as the president chips away at our democracy, day by day. That is why I support Congress formally launching impeachment proceedings against President Trump. We have much work to do in the 116th Congress, including combating the cruel immigration policies at our border, fighting for an economy that works for hardworking people, caring for our veterans, and protecting the rights and dignity of every American – but we also have a big task at hand. While we work on all of those issues, and more, I will be working diligently for the people of California’s 41st District and their specific needs. Our job is big and we cannot shrink from holding this president accountable. I have an obligation to the Constitution I swore an oath to protect,” said Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA).

“Nothing is more important to veterans than leadership and integrity, and Congressman Mark Takano showed it yesterday by listening to countless veterans like us who have had enough of a corrupt president who thinks he is above the law. We’re thankful that Rep. Takano is holding true to the oath he swore to uphold the Constitution, the same oath that us veterans swore when we enlisted in the military. We believe that oath now calls for the immediate impeachment of Donald Trump, and we intend to continue mobilizing veterans all over the country to make the case to other members of Congress to follow Rep. Takano’s example,” said Jose Vasquez, Executive Director of Common Defense.

“Congressman Takano showed true leadership and loyalty to the constitution and his constituents yesterday. His courage is exactly what this country needs right now. We look forward to continuing working with him and other members of Congress, Common Defense, and our grassroots partners to ensure Congress holds Donald Trump accountable,” said Nathaly Arriola, Executive Director of Need to Impeach.

Need to Impeach will continue working with Common Defense to ensure American veterans who support impeachment are heard by their members of Congress. Need to Impeach has also partnered with Indivisible, MoveOn, and Stand Up America on ImpeachmentAugust.org, a new push to empower constituents to find town halls, organize their own in-person events, and visit their representatives’ district offices to pressure lawmakers on impeachment.