Chris Van Hollen: “it is the constitutional duty of each Senator to weigh the evidence before us and render a final verdict on the two…”

“it is the constitutional duty of each Senator to weigh the evidence before us and render a final verdict on the two Articles of Impeachment. On the charge of abuse of power, the House managers have presented overwhelming evidence, a ``mountain of it,'' as Senator Alexander has conceded. For anyone with eyes to see or ears to hear, President Trump undoubtedly used the power of the Presidency to withhold vital, taxpayer-funded military aid from Ukraine to extort its government into helping him in his reelection campaign. He did so even though fighting Russian aggression is in our national interest. And make no mistake, the fact that he got caught before his scheme succeeded is no defense. The House has also proved its case on the charge of obstruction of Congress. President Trump has engaged in unprecedented stonewalling, a blanket coverup that makes President Nixon look like an amateur--not a single document produced nor a single witness. Those who did testify did so despite the President's order not to show up. They raised their right hands and swore to tell the truth. They included Trump political appointees and a major donor to his campaign, individuals who served our country in war, dedicated public servants who took an oath to defend the Constitution. Dismissing them as ``anti-Trumpers'' and ``Democratic witnesses'' is wrong, as were the President's attempts to bully and intimidate them.…”