HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Himes has become Connecticut's first member of Congress to call for an impeachment inquiry into Republican President Trump.

Himes, serving his sixth term, said Monday the president has "shown contempt for the truth, has attacked our institutions, and has ignored the Constitution he swore to defend."  He added that Trump has refused the oversight which is Congress’ long-established right and duty.

Himes acknowledges the politics of impeachment "are messy and uncertain" and might benefit Trump politically in the short run. But the lawmaker, whose district includes Greenwich, where Trump once owned a home, says this is the moment for "clarity and conviction" rather than political expediency.

Himes says he's not pressuring House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who told Connecticut Democrats on Friday the House Democrats' plan was to "legislate, investigate, litigate."  Pelosi has been under increasing pressure to move forward with impeachment.

Himes, whose district also includes Ridgefield, says most Americans sense the danger and have reacted, most recently by electing a House of Representatives with the power and desire to check this President.  

He notes that opening an impeachment inquiry is not removal of the President.  Himes says impeachment, along with the right to declare war, is the most awesome power of Congress.