WASHINGTON – California lawmakers had varying reactions to Speaker Nancy Pelosi's announcement that the House would be moving forward with an official impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump.
"I commend Speaker Pelosi for launching an official impeachment inquiry across six committees," said Congressman Ted Lieu, a member of the judiciary committee that investigates Trump. "This whistleblower complaint is a big deal."
The impeachment inquiry stems from a whistleblower complaint alleging Trump sought help in digging up dirt on his political rival, Vice President Joe Biden, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a phone call between the two last summer.
Lieu said Congress needs to see the full complaint as soon as possible.
Congressman Eric Swallwell said a president asking a foreign entity for favors sets a dangerous precedent.
"When you ask a foreign government for help you are opening yourself up to owing that foreign government something in the future," said Swalwell. "Which means you would have to put their interests ahead of America's."
President Trump maintains he's done nothing wrong, tweeting that the inquiry was the latest episode in what he's called "a total witch hunt."
California Republican and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy leapt to President Trump's defense.
"Speaker Pelosi happens to be the Speaker of this House, but she does not speak for America when it comes to this issue," McCarthy said. "She cannot decide unilaterally what happens here."
The White House has stated it plans to release both, a transcript of his call with Zelensky, and the whistleblower complaint.