“In order to prosecute a case for impeachment, you have to have the underlying facts," said Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.). | Rod Lamkey Jr./POLITICO No ‘underlying facts’ to pursue Trump impeachment, top House Democrat says

Democrats won't act to impeach President Donald Trump as long as the investigation into Russian interference is ongoing, the vice chairwoman of the House Democratic Caucus said today.

“In order to prosecute a case for impeachment, you have to have the underlying facts," Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.) said at the POLITICO Pro Summit. "We don't know all the facts yet. And until the time that we do, we can't make a decision on whether or not impeachment is warranted."


Sánchez said using the term “meddling” to describe Russia’s attempts to influence U.S. elections downplays the seriousness of the allegations.

“Meddling is a very milquetoast term. Meddling, that sounds like your neighbor who goes and tells gossip," Sánchez said. “The fact that a foreign government tries to undermine our democracy is something that everybody, regardless of political affiliation, should be clamoring for acknowledgment of."

But the California Democrat said it's important to "give space" and protect the independence of the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller, to ensure there is no reason for the president to intervene.