On the recordNovember 7, 2019
Madam President, I rise today to discuss the impeachment inquiry currently underway in the House. First, I want to recognize the courageous public servants who have testified in the House in recent weeks in defense of U.S. national security and in defense of the rule of law and our democratic institutions. I will cite just four: Lieutenant Colonel Vindman, Ambassador Yovanovitch, Ambassador Taylor, and Ambassador McKinley. Despite the two decades of military service by Lieutenant Colonel Vindman and the Purple Heart he earned for his sacrifice for our country in Iraq, his character has faced brutal attacks from cable news and from some current and former Members of Congress. As former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul put it in a Washington Post column last week, ``Such smear tactics are revolting and un-American. [Lt. Col.] Vindman has served our country with honor and distinction, both on and off the battlefield. . . . And he is a patriot--as you would expect from someone with his outstanding resume.'' So said former Ambassador McFaul, and I agree with him. I think most Americans would agree with him. Lieutenant Colonel Vindman is just one of the many brave patriots who have testified as part of this impeachment inquiry. Ambassador Yovanovitch has dedicated over 30 years to U.S. foreign service. She has rightfully earned the respect and credibility that she has within the U.S.…





