Debate on Trump's impeachment underway in Congress

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The US House of Representatives has begun debate on the second attempt to impeach President Donald Trump, after his supporters stormed the building seven days ago.

Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, a fierce critic of Trump, said Trump led a rebellion.

"The President not only incited a rebellion, but he led a rebellion with words and deeds. We cannot just move past it or turn a new page. In order to survive as a functional democracy, there must be accountability," she said.

The Capitol building and corridors are guarded by armed members of the National Guard. Members of the National Guard are resting in the visitor center on Capitol Hill in Washington during the debate on Donald Trump's impeachment.

Congressman Jim Jordan accused Democrats of "double standards".

"Democrats can investigate the President of the United States, but they will not investigate elections that 80 million Americans, Republicans and Democrats doubt. I don't know where all this is going and it's terrifying for the country," Jordan said.

Recall that Jordan is one of the founders of the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus and a staunch supporter of Donald Trump.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina said everyone must be held accountable for what happened.

If Congress is serious about eradicating divisions, "then both sides must understand that our words have consequences."

She called on lawmakers to "recognize that there is a problem and stop being part of the problem."

Republican Jason Smith of Missouri said it is "vital" to find out the facts about what went wrong and ensure that it never happens again.

"I was in this chamber when those shots rang out. These are real things. This should never have happened. At a time when our nation is more divided than ever before, let's put people before politics. President Trump is leaving in seven days. Let's try to heal this nation, let's listen to the American people," Smith said.

Smith called the impeachment reckless and said it would only serve to further fuel hatred, the BBC reports.

New York will cancel contracts with the Trump Organization that bring it $17 million annually, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Wednesday, accusing President Donald Trump of inciting the mob to storm the Capitol last week.

"If a company and its leadership engage in criminal activity, we have the right to cancel the contract," de Blasio told MSNBC.

"Inciting a rebellion against the US government is obvious criminal activity," he added. "Therefore, New York wants nothing more to do with the Trump Organization."

On January 6, Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, repeating his unsubstantiated claim that the presidential election was stolen.

He urged them to march on the Capitol, which was confirming Joe Biden's victory at the time.

The mob overwhelmed security forces, and some entered the building, causing the session to be suspended as lawmakers took refuge in a safe place.

Five people lost their lives in the unrest.