As the drumbeat for impeachment proceedings against President Trump continues to grow, Democratic Rep. Don Beyer became the first member of Virginia’s congressional delegation to join the chorus. On Tuesday evening, Beyer called for an impeachment inquiry to begin against President Trump.

In a statement, Beyer said that it was not an easy decision, but he believes Congress has “no other option” in the face of evidence of “actions that strongly resemble high crimes and misdemeanors.” Beyer cited Trump’s “obstruction of justice” and potential tax fraud in explaining his call for an impeachment inquiry.

Beyer joins two dozen other Democrats who support an impeachment inquiry, but said he would only support impeachment if it were a bipartisan process.

So far, only one Republican, Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) has publicly called for impeachment, but Beyer said he had spoken to other Republicans who privately agree that impeachment proceedings ought to begin.

Beyer has represented Virginia’s 8th district since 2015 and said that his decision reflected his constituents’ views.

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