Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin will be one of nine representatives who were named as managers of the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Tuesday night.
The move for impeachment is in response to hold Trump accountable for his part in the takeover of the Capitol last week by rioters trying to stop Congress from counting the presidential election results to prevent President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.
The impeachment article, which is expected to be backed by all Democrats and some Republicans, could be approved by late afternoon. If Trump is impeached, the House will send the article to the Senate for trial.
Via Twitter, Raskin said he was “Honored and humbled to be named an impeachment manager with a team of colleagues who are serious lawyers and unstoppable patriots.”
“We have a solemn duty to protect our democracy and Constitution,” said Raskin, whose district covers Montgomery, Carroll, and Frederick counties.
On Monday, Raskin was one of a handful of representatives who introduced a resolution urging Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. That measure failed following an objection from Republican Rep. Alex Mooney, of West Virginia.
“Tonight, I have the solemn privilege of naming the Managers of the impeachment trial of Donald Trump,” Pelosi said in a statement Tuesday night. “It is their constitutional and patriotic duty to present the case for the President’s impeachment and removal.
“They will do so guided by their great love of country, determination to protect our democracy and loyalty to our oath to the Constitution. Our Managers will honor their duty to defend democracy For The People with great solemnity, prayerfulness and urgency.”
Along with Raskin, Pelosi selected Reps. Madeleine Dean, of Pennsylvania; Diana DeGette, of Colorado; David Cicilline, of Rhode Island; Joaquin Castro, of Texas; Eric Swalwell, of California; Ted Lieul, of California; Stacey Plaskett, of the Virgin Islands; and Joe Neguse, of Colorado.
Raskin’s selection as impeachment trial manager comes less than two weeks following the death of his son Tommy Bloom Raskin, 25. No cause of death was given.