Houston's Al Green calls for Trump's impeachment on House floor

WASHINGTON – Houston Democrat Al Green on Wednesday became the first member of Congress to go to the House floor to call for President Donald Trump impeachment, citing last week's firing of FBI Director James Comey in the midst of an investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 elections.

"There is a belief in this country that no one is above the law, and that includes the president of the United States of America," Green said. "Our Democracy is at risk... This offense has occurred before our very eyes."

Green, a former NAACP leader in his 12th year in Congress, joins a chorus of Democrats – including California's Maxine Waters – who have talked about Trump's impeachment, but is believed to be the first to urge impeachment on the House floor.

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Scroll through the gallery to see what is involved in impeaching and removing a president from office less U.S. Rep. Al Green, D-Houston, on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, called for President Donald Trump's impeachment and removal from office. Green made his push from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Scroll ... more U.S. Rep. Al Green, D-Houston, on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, called for President Donald Trump's impeachment and removal from office. Green made his push from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Image 1 of / 21 Caption Close Houston's Al Green calls for Trump's impeachment on House floor 1 / 21 Back to Gallery

Green's speech – delivered, he said, with a "heavy heart" – also comes a day after Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, suggested on CNN that Trump could be headed for impeachment after allegedly asking Comey to end his inquiry into former national security adviser Mike Flynn.

"I have to say," King said, "simply because obstruction of justice is such a serious offense."

Green also cited obstruction of justice as a grounds for impeaching Trump. "I do not do this for political purposes," he said. "I do this because I believe in the great ideals that this country stands for: Liberty and Justice for all."

While recent revelations about Trump's sacking of the FBI director have alarmed Democrats, actual impeachment proceedings would require the participation of Republicans who control both chambers of Congress.

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While some Republicans have expressed concerns about Trump's response to allegations of collusion between Trump campaign associates and the Russian government, his party has so far defended him.

Green acknowledged that his impeachment call might seem a long shot. "I am a voice in the wilderness," he said. "But I assure you that history will vindicate me."

Scroll through the gallery above to see what it takes to impeach and remove a president from office