over 50 House Democrats Co-Sponsor Impeachment articles against Kristi Noem
Over 50 House Democrats have signed on to co-sponsor articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem,Axios has learned.
Why This Matters
this represents a significant shift, with roughly a quarter of the House Democratic caucus supporting impeachment – a stark contrast to the party’s previous dismissal of other impeachment efforts during the current governance.
Previous Impeachment Attempts and Current Momentum
- reps. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Al green (D-Texas) and Haley stevens (D-Mich.) faced limited support for their previous impeachment efforts.
- This current push, led by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), a member of democratic leadership, is fueled by a growing wave of anti-Noem sentiment sparked by the shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis.
By the Numbers
A total of 53 House Democrats signed on to the bill by the Tuesday afternoon co-sponsorship deadline, according to a list obtained by Axios.
- Several co-sponsors represent battleground districts, including Reps. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) and Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.).
- Centrists such as Reps. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) and Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), who are also in competitive Senate primaries, have added their support.
- Kelly’s office indicated that additional lawmakers may still sign on as co-sponsors.
The Articles of Impeachment
The articles, set to be formally unveiled Wednesday, accuse Noem of three key violations:
- Obstruction of Congress: Specifically, denying entry to DHS facilities for members of Congress and withholding congressionally appropriated disaster relief funding.
- Violation of Public Trust: Allegations of denying ICE detainees due process and infringing upon the First and Fourth Amendments.
- Self-Dealing: concerns over reports that Noem awarded $220 million in contracts to a firm connected to her top spokesperson’s husband.
Statements from key Democrats
“under Secretary Noem, DHS and ICE have systemically violated the rights and privacy of Americans, terrorized our cities, and obstructed congress,” Kelly wrote in a letter urging her colleagues to support the articles of impeachment.
- Vasquez stated: “Sec. Noem has systematically violated Americans’ rights, directed masked agents to terrorize our communities, and obstructed Congress. She’s got to go.”
- sorensen said: “As a Member of Congress, I take seriously my job to hold presidential administrations accountable … Secretary Noem is failing the American people by threatening,intimidating,and harassing my neighbors and I believe she must be removed from office.”
This support comes despite Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nev.) expressing concerns in a private Democratic leadership meeting that a forced impeachment vote could harm vulnerable incumbents.
DHS Response
A DHS spokesperson dismissed Kelly’s efforts as a “silly” initiative during a “serious time.”
“As ICE officers are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them, Rep. Kelly is more focused on showmanship and fundraising clicks than actually cleaning up her crime-ridden Chicago district,” the spokesperson said.
“We hope she would get serious about doing her job to protect American people,which is what this Department is doing under Secretary Noem.”
