Hartzler calls impeachment proceedings a ‘sham’ after House passes new rules

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler on Friday called the impeachment investigation of President Donald Trump a "sham" and "waste of time."

Hartzler, a Harrisonville Republican who represents Missouri's Fourth Congressional District, was in Columbia speaking at a women in agriculture conference.

The House voted this week to pass new rules governing the impeachment investigation 232-to-196. The investigation will now likely move into public hearings, setting aside the closed-door sessions.

"It just validates a failed process," Hartzler said. "I think it's interesting it passed on Halloween because it validates the witch hunt that's been going on."

Hartzler said she believes the new rules passed by the House are not fair to Trump.

"The president would be continued to be denied due process, not be able to call witnesses not be able to have his lawyer there, not be able to cross-examine or question other witnesses," Hartzler said. "This is just a sham."

Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Speaker of the House, spoke to the House Thursday before the vote was held. "Contrary to what you heard today, we give more opportunity to his case than was given to other presidents before," Pelosi said.

Hartzler said she believes the impeachment proceedings are a "waste of time," and are distracting from other issues facing the United States.

"Speaker Pelosi has just been inventing this as she goes on and creating this secret process that nobody can participate in other than a few select members of Congress," Hartzler said. "It's just not right."

Pelosi said Thursday the investigation is protecting the constitution.

"What is at stake in all of this is nothing less than our democracy," Pelosi said.

ABC17 News reached out to U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Kansas City), but Cleaver's office did not respond.