On the recordNovember 19, 2019
this morning, during the House's impeachment inquiry, the American people will hear more important testimony from LTC Alexander Vindman, of the National Security Council, and from Jennifer Williams, an adviser to the Vice President. Regrettably, some Republicans, including one in this Chamber, have tried, without evidence or substantiation, to undermine, to call into question, and to smear the credibility of the witnesses, including of Lieutenant Colonel Vindman--a Purple Heart recipient who has spent his life in service to our country. The attacks on the witnesses are painful and wrong. They are reminiscent of the actions of a brutal country, not of the democratic Republic that we are. I hope everyone will treat these witnesses with respect and listen to their testimony with an open mind. Whether they agree or disagree with their testimony, it is unbecoming of any Senator to smear these patriots. The House has a responsibility to seek the truth and uncover all of the facts, and if it comes to it, the Senate has a responsibility to examine the evidence and render impartial judgment. ____________________
