Dusty Johnson: “Since I joined this body in January, I have done my darnedest to steer clear of the political circus that we see on a…”

“Since I joined this body in January, I have done my darnedest to steer clear of the political circus that we see on a daily basis in Washington. Instead, I have worked with so many Members to pass legislation preventing child abuse and legislation that makes it easier for Americans to save for school and for their retirement. We have made progress, and I have been a key part of that progress in USMCA, in welfare reform, and in implementing the farm bill. But, Mr. Speaker, the impeachment proceedings going on in this Chamber in the last few weeks have given me pause, and they should give pause to every Member of this Chamber and to all American people. I know--we all know--that some Members are for impeachment and others of us are opposed. But we should all admit that, by its very nature, impeachment is emotional, it is taxing, and it is divisive. You are talking about removing our President from office. This is no small thing. This is changing the trajectory of this country. Given how contentious and given how important that proceeding is, we have an obligation to play by the rules and to have a process that is open, that is sound, and that is fair. Mr. Speaker, we are failing at that special obligation. First, the Speaker has launched impeachment without a vote by this body, and that is unprecedented. Members have been denied their authority, their voice, their opportunity to be on the Record in that matter.…”