Luetkemeyer votes against Trump impeachment

Missouri's U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, voted against the article of impeachment against President Donald Trump on Wednesday and said use of the 25th Amendment would be "inappropriate."

The House voted to impeach Trump a second time Wednesday, charging him with "incitement of insurrection" for his role in the U.S. Capitol riot Jan. 6.

Luetkemeyer's office released a statement about his vote. The statement begins with a quote from Vice President Mike Pence: "In the midst of a global pandemic, economic hardship for millions of Americans, and tragic events of January 6th, now is the time for us to come together, now is the time to heal."

"These are the words of Vice President Mike Pence as he urged Congress 'to avoid taking action to further divide' our hurting country," Luetkemeyer said. "The vice president's words come just days after the horrific attack on our Capitol while he oversaw the joint session of Congress."

Jan. 6 was a "truly horrible day for our country that will leave a lasting scar on our history," Luetkemeyer said in the statement.

"Unfortunately, the actions of the House in the days since have only sought to deepen the wound," he said. "Non-binding resolutions demanding the inappropriate use of the 25th Amendment and rushed impeachment proceedings before law enforcement and intelligence agencies can even complete investigations are the exact opposite of what our country needs and deserves."

Luetkemeyer was one of 147 Republicans who objected to electoral votes that supported Joe Biden for president.

Luetkemeyer represents Missouri's 3rd Congressional District, which includes much of east-central Missouri, including Jefferson City, stretching into the western suburbs of the St. Louis metro area.