Thomas County’s representative in the U.S. House voted not to impeach President Trump and also voted against the call for Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove the president from office.

“Make no mistake about it, these calls for President Trump’s removal would not be happening without the leader of the Democratic Party, President-elect Joe Biden’s, support,” said Rep. Austin Scott (R-Tifton). “Speaker Pelosi and liberal Democrats seek to further divide our nation rather than work towards unity – unity that many on both sides of the aisle have stated is critical for our country at this time.”

U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Albany), whose district includes Grady County, said before the impeachment vote Wednesday he was in full support of the measure.

“What occurred on (January 6) at the United States Capitol was clear insurrection and sedition instigated by President Trump,” Rep. Bishop said in a statement. “We cannot allow this behavior to become normal — to do so would betray our sacred oath to the Constitution to protect it against all enemies foreign and domestic.”

Bishop also said President Trump “has continually lied about the 2020 election results and attempted a coup. If we do not act, we risk the future of our 244-year-old republic — which has already been damaged by his actions.”

State Rep. Darlene Taylor (R-Thomasville) said those involved in the violence at the Capitol should face criminal charges.

“It is with deep sadness that we witnessed the violence that broke out in our nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C.,” she said. “I am heartbroken for all Americans and especially those who have lost loved ones. While everyone at the rally was not involved in the mob, those who broke the law in the U.S. Capitol and participated in violence, loss of life and destruction of property should be identified and prosecuted. I have been to the U.S. Capitol on several occasions, and like most Americans, I consider it ‘sacred ground.’ This is the seat of our government. There is never a good excuse for bad behavior. I denounce all violence within our country, as it is never an acceptable response. 

“Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, ‘A riot is the language of the unheard.’ The country and all of our leaders need to hear and really listen to the voices of those who are discontent. We must find our way back to civility and work together as Americans for Americans.”