An impeachment inquiry becomes an all-encompassing endeavor. While ongoing, it tends to push into the background, almost to the point of oblivion, all other legislative work. It certainly sucks oxygen from the rest of Congress’ other executive-administrative oversight functions.
The Mueller report gives Democrats good reason to verbally bash Trump.
As for the substance of impeachment, the Mueller report provides too little fodder for a serious attempt to charge the president with “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.”
Obviously there was not enough evidence to justify a charge of illegal conspiracy with Russian entities. The obstruction of justice question is more nuanced.
Mueller’s investigation into Trump’s election campaign and accusations of Russian involvement found insufficient evidence of obstruction of justice, according to his report released on April 18. However, six weeks later, Mueller implied that Trump was guilty.
In the first half of Mueller’s report, investigators did find evidence of Russian meddling in the United States’ 2016 elections. Indictments were handed down to these Russians. Mueller said about them: “These indictments contain allegations, that we are not commenting on the guilt or innocence of any specific defendant. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
One standard for the Russians, but a very different one for Donald Trump.