On the recordOctober 31, 2019
This is a somber and solemn time. I rise in support of H. Res. 660, a resolution establishing procedures for the impeachment of the President. I do it with a heavy heart. But today we choose our beloved Nation over individual self-interest and political party. We choose due process, regular order, and fairness. We choose this little document called the Constitution, lasting for over 200 years. We are reminded of the words of James Madison who argued in favor of impeachment, stating that some provision was indispensable to defend the community against the incapacity or negligence of the chief magistrate. We do not do this in a rush, and we do not do it eagerly. We are reminded of Lieutenant Colonel Vindman who came here at 3 years old. He said he had dedicated his entire professional life to the United States of America. And he said about the call that he was on: I realized that this was troubling, that if Ukraine pursued an investigation into the Bidens, it would be heavy and wrong. I do not think it is proper to demand that a foreign government investigate a U.S. citizen. Again, we stand on the Constitution. We must do it right and do it fairly. This is a somber and solemn time. Today we choose our beloved nation over individual self-interest and a political party. We choose due process, regular order and fairness. And as the founding fathers crafted a document, which 230 years later, from 1789 to 2019, we can abide by, we choose the Constitution.…
