WASHINGTON — A half-dozen Democrats on Wednesday introduced articles of impeachment against President Trump, accusing him of obstruction of justice and other offenses, in an effort that stands little chance in the Republican-led House.
Indeed, the large majority of Democrats seem intent on having nothing to do with the effort either, as lawmakers await the results of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. Democratic leaders have argued the impeachment campaign riles up Trump’s GOP base, a key bloc in next year’s midterm elections.
The five articles accused the president of obstruction of justice related to the FBI investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, undermining the independence of the federal judiciary, and other offenses.
‘‘We have taken this action because of great concerns for the country and our Constitution and our national security and our democracy,’’ Representative Steve Cohen, Democrat of Tennessee, said at a news conference to announce the effort.
Cohen said he understands that Republicans hold the majority in the House and are unlikely to allow hearings on the impeachment articles. He said the group will hold occasional briefings to explain each of the five articles of impeachment.
The obstruction of justice allegation stems from Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey, which the lawmakers say was designed to delay and impede an investigation.
The articles of impeachment also charge that Trump has accepted without the consent of Congress emoluments from foreign states and from the US government. Finally, the articles allege he has undermined the federal judiciary and the freedom of the press.
Cohen and other leaders of the impeachment effort disagreed that their effort could hurt Democrats in next year’s congressional elections. ‘‘The Democratic base needs to know there are members of Congress willing to stand up against this president,’’ Cohen said.
Other representatives who have signed on to the resolution are Luis Gutierrez of Illinois, Al Green of Texas, Marcia Fudge of Ohio, Adriano Espaillat of New York, and John Yarmuth of Kentucky.
