Grays Harbor News Group

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As expected, Congressman Derek Kilmer voted in favor of a resolution that sets up the impeachment process for President Donald Trump.

The resolution passed 232 to 196 in the House Thursday morning, with all Republicans and two Democrats voting against.

Among other things, it sets rules for upcoming public hearings.

Kilmer is a Democrat who represents Grays Harbor and the Olympic Peninsula.

Jaime Herrera Beutler, a Republican who represents Pacific County and most of Southwest Washington, voted against the resolution.

Kilmer released the following statement: “As the impeachment inquiry proceeds, it is important that it be transparent and fair. That’s what today’s vote was about. The first thing I did as our community’s representative was to swear an oath to uphold the constitution. I take that oath seriously. The months ahead should not be about re-litigating the 2016 election or trying to influence the 2020 election. Rather, they should be about protecting the integrity of our democracy and the rule of law. And as someone who came here to make life better for the folks I represent, my sincere hope is that Congress continues to move forward on those vital priorities as well.”

Herrera Beutler released a statement on her Facebook page. Following is part of that statement:

“The president’s phone conversation with the Ukrainian President and the circumstances surrounding it raise serious questions deserving of a full, impartial investigation and then airing of the facts. I will support a full and fair investigation and I ask the House leadership to change its course. Stop today’s farce of an “impeachment inquiry” and then let’s work together to create an investigation that the public will see as fair and full, with all the facts in plain view.”