Rep. Mark Takano, D-Riverside, on Thursday, Aug. 22 joined the growing ranks of House Democrats calling for the start of impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump.

“When discussions about impeachment became prominent, I was transparent with you and I expressed my concerns with moving forward with an impeachment inquiry,” Takano said in a videotaped statement posted on YouTube.

“I wanted to be sure that sufficient facts had been brought to light so the American people could feel confident in Congress’ ability to begin impeachment proceedings devoid of any politics that would call into question the inquiry’s legitimacy.”

Recounting Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian election interference and allegations Trump obstructed that probe, Takano said: “I cannot ignore the call to defend our institutions, to safeguard our democratic norms, and to stand up for our democracy. It would be a dereliction of duty to sit by idly as the president chips away at our democracy, day by day.”

Takano, whose district includes Riverside, Moreno Valley, Perris, and Jurupa Valley, joins Reps. Norma Torres, D-Pomona, and Pete Aguilar, D-Redlands, as Inland congressional delegation members who are on-record in supporting an impeachment inquiry. Going into this week, than 120 House Democrats have announced their support for impeachment proceedings.