Rep. Dingell Talks Trump Acquittal and How Country Moves Forward

Donald Trump is the first president to be impeached twice while in office. He is also the first president to be acquitted twice by the U.S. Senate.

“We’ve gotta start to listen to each other and remember that our democracy is strong, but if we keep allowing ourselves to become this divided we will fail.” — Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-12)

The outcome of this trial was what many expected. But it’s also a development that calls into question the entire constitutional system in place to make sure presidents don’t collude with foreign enemies or incite a violent insurrection against the government.

Listen: Dingell shares insight on Trump’s impeachment acquittal, response to the Capitol riot and an update on a new COVID relief package.

Guest

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell is a Democrat from Dearborn representing Michigan’s 12th Congressional District.

“Every life matters,” says Dingell about the insurrection. “My life is no more important than the life of anyone else. Five people died that day that shouldn’t have died, and the post-traumatic stress on many of these policemen — law enforcement really paid a very heavy price for what happened.” Dingell says the loss incurred during the riot wasn’t enough to change everyone’s minds; “There’s a fear on some sides about what will happen if you vote against Trump,” says Dingell. 

Dingell also discusses the new COVID relief package being developed in Congress. “Next week, on the floor of the House, will be the bill that we will vote to send to the Senate on a COVID-relief package,” she says. “I am very convinced that the House version will have the $15 minimum wage in it,  but it will have many, many, many other things. It will have more money in there for vaccines… have to make sure (COVID) testing continues to be available, we will have additional stimulus payment, student loan aid…” She also cites the inclusion of rent moratoriums, support for seniors and more, all of which Congressional leaders Senate Majority Leader Chuck Shumer and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi have said they wanted to be completed by March 14, when current unemployment benefits run out. “I believe they will meet that timeline,” says Dingell.

Reflecting on the current state of the partisan divide, Dingell says the time is now for everyone to listen. “We’ve got to start to listen to each other and remember that our democracy is strong, but if we keep allowing ourselves to become this divided we will fail,” she says.

Web story by Allise Hurd.