House panel seeks Mueller's full report; Democrats under pressure

Washington: The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee issued a subpoena on Friday for special counsel Robert Mueller's full report as Democrats intensified their investigation of President Donald Trump, but leaders stopped short of liberal demands for impeachment proceedings.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has insisted on a methodical, step-by-step approach to the House's oversight of the Trump administration, and she refuses to consider impeachment without public support, including from Republicans, which seems unlikely.

But in light of Mueller's findings, Democratic leaders are under mounting pressure from the party's rising stars, deep-pocketed donors and even a presidential contender to seize the moment as a jumping-off point for trying to remove Trump from office.

Speaking on Friday in Belfast as Pelosi wrapped up a congressional visit to Ireland, she declined to signal action beyond Congress's role as a check and balance for the White House.

"Let me assure you that whatever the issue and challenge we face, the Congress of the United States will honour its oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States to protect our democracy," she told reporters.

"We believe that the first article — Article 1, the legislative branch — has the responsibility of oversight of our democracy, and we will exercise that."

That approach isn't enough for some liberals who see in Trump's actions not just a President unfit for office but evidence of obstruction serious enough that Mueller said he could not declare Trump exonerated.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is now signed on to an impeachment resolution from fellow Democratic Rep.

Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, bringing new energy to the effort. Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass, a presidential candidate, said on Friday the House "should initiate impeachment proceedings against the President."