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Local reaction to Trump impeachment comes swiftly

U.S. House of Representatives
Reps. Tom Reed (l) and Brian Higgins

Western New York's two members of the House of Representatives voted along party lines Wednesday in the historic vote to impeach President Donald Trump.

Rep. Brian Higgins (D) of Buffalo voted for impeachment. Tom Reed (R) of Corning cast a 'no' vote.

Prior to the daylong House debate, Reed held his weekly teleconference with reporters and said he expects the Republican-controlled Senate will act swiftly next month to acquit Trump.

"Does it cross the initial hurdle of an impeachable offense? I think that's one of the  fundamental issues that needs to be adjudicated rather quickly by the Senate," Reed said, "because as I've said before, there's no smoking gun evidence in a clear, compelling case, based on clear and convincing evidence, that a high crime was committed here."

Higgins was given an opportunity to address his colleagues during the House debate. He used the word "bribery" in referring to Trump's dealings with the Ukranian president.

"The President of the United States used the power of his office by soliciting a bribe of a foreign leader to interfere in an election that he was afraid he could not win honorably, fairly or freely," Higgins said.

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