Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) said Saturday that “it is clear as day” that President Trump attempted to impede the FBI’s investigation into alleged ties between his campaign and Russia, calling Trump’s actions “a federal crime staring all of us in the face.”

Lieu appeared on “MSNBC Live” and discussed the newly ramped-up talk of Trump’s impeachment one day after CNN reported that White House lawyers were researching the impeachment process as a precaution.

“I do believe we need to let the various investigations run [their course],” Lieu said. “But what we saw in the last two weeks is obstruction of justice, a federal crime, staring all of us in the face.”

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Lieu said it doesn't matter what the FBI or Congressional investigations into Trump’s ties to Russia find, “the President committed a federal of crime of trying to obstruct or even influence that investigation.”

“I’m not trying to take down the President, I just want the rule of law to be followed,” Lieu said. “And there’s been a shocking disrespect of the rule of law by this White House.”

Some Democratic lawmakers have supported calls for impeachment in recent weeks, with Sen. Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenWarren, Schumer introduce plan for next president to cancel ,000 in student debt The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Don't expect a government check anytime soon No new taxes for the ultra rich — fix bad tax policy instead MORE (D-Mass.) saying she would “absolutely” support impeachment if memos written by former FBI Director James Comey about Trump’s meetings with him are true. Rep. Al Green Alexander (Al) N. GreenThe Memo: Trump's race tactics fall flat Trump administration ending support for 7 Texas testing sites as coronavirus cases spike The Hill's Coronavirus Report: Miami mayor worries about suicide and domestic violence rise; Trump-governor debate intensifies MORE (D-Texas) has threatened to introduce impeachment legislation on the House floor.

But top Democrats are cautioning impeachment talk. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) downplayed calls for impeachment, calling them “a reflection” of what some lawmakers “are hearing in their own constituencies.”