Sought to protect us. But now along comes a president who actually says he is constitutionally empowered to do whatever he wants. That he can neither be prosecuted or even investigated for any crime. And that he can totally ignore any impeachment proceeding of which he disapproves. These are the claims of a wanna be tyrant who has extowed the virtues of tyrants from manila to moscow. To advance tyranny, he adopts an openborder policy. Inviting foreigners to come into our country and intrude in our elections. Foreign nations have their own agendas. Especially, adversaries like rush s russia and china. American citizens should be the only ones determining the fate of america. If the president continues demanding more foreign interference, we will never have trulyfree elections. And we will not be free. We act today, recognizing the solemn responsibility to safeguard our security and constitution. We pledge allegiance to the flag. And the republic for which it stands. Not to one man who would be king. Gentleman from georgia. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Before i call my next speaker, could i get a time check from
the speaker . The gentleman from georgia has 1 hour 3 and a quarter minutes remaining. The gentleman from california has 57 and a quarter minutes remaining. That was one hour and three and a quarter minutes. One hour and three and a quarter minutes. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you. For that, now i yield one minute to the gentleman from one minute and a half to the gentleman from georgia. Gentlemans recognized for a minute and a half. Thank you to my friend from georgia. And thank you for your great work in dealing with with this very sad day in our country. Today, for the third time in our nations history, a president will be impeached. This will be, however, the first time impeachment has been entirely partisan and without merit. This charade is not because
President Trump is guilty of a high crime or misdemeanor. But because one Political Party doesnt like him or his policies of america first. The facts are we have a divided government and House Democrats are at war with the Executive Branch. Fact two, they have been planning for this day since President Trump took office. Fact three, they accuse the president first and then have spent months looking for a crime. Fact four, but no evidence has been presented of an Impeachable Offense. During one of the partisan hearings, a member of this body asked if President Trump had evidence of his innocence. Why didnt he bring it forward . The democrats want americans to believe that our president is guilty until he proves himself innocent . That whole process is unconstitutional. Today, weve heard both sides. But we need to get the truth. And the truth is the decision of who should be our president should be made by the American People. Not speaker pelosi, adam schiff, and House Democrats. Thank you. And i yield back. Gentleman from california. Madam speaker, i recognize the gentleman from new york. Chairman evening for three minutes. Gentleman is recognized for three minutes. I thank my friend, mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Foreign Affairs committee, i have to say that this is a sad day. No one is gleeful that the president s actions have brought us to this point. But when you boil it down, were here today because the president abused the power of his office to help his chances at reelection. He used the enormous weight of the presidency and American Foreign policy to push a Foreign Government to smear a political rival. And he got caught. Why is this conduct so serious . Why has the president s behavior pushed the House Of Representatives to exercise one of its most consequential,
constitutional responsibilities . Because corrupting an american election, particularly in cahoots with a foreign power, means corrupting american democracy. Our elections are at the heart of our democracy. The foundation of what makes our system of government great. Our republic. If we can keep it, as Benjamin Franklin once said. If our elections are unfair, then our republic cannot stand. Anyone who tries to fix an election is taking away the power of the American People to choose their leaders. If it happens at any level of government, its toxic to our democracy. And this came from the highest level. In this case, its even more serious because what was the president willing to give up for this advantage . What price was he willing to pay . The price was our National Security. When the president devised the shadow Foreign Policy that undermined our diplomacy and diplomats. When he held Back Assistance for ukraine, who was embroiled in a
war against russia. When he pressured a Foreign Government to interfere in our elections again. He sacrificed our security. He shook the faith of a loyal ally. He played right into the hands of vladimir putin. He weakened our country, all because he thought it might help his reelection bid. Only the president has that power to corrupt our Foreign Policy for political gain. And the moment he chose to do so, the moment he he undermined our security in a scheme to undermine our democracy. Whether he succeeded or not, and thank god he did not. At that moment, it became an abuse of power. And a president who abuses his power for personal gain is exactly what the framers feared. Its why impeachment is in the constitution. So we need to pass these articles. The president s actions have left us no choice. He cannot be allowed to undermine our democracy and tear apart the fabric that holds our country together. So i will vote for impeachment and i yield back. Gentleman from georgia. Thank you, Madam Speaker. This time, i yield two minutes to the Ja Frgentleman from flor two minutes . Gentlemans recognized for two minutes. This is not about the ukraine. Its about power. Donald trump has it and House Democrats want it. So with no crime, no victim, no evidence, no proof, no agenda for america, this Impeachment Charade marches on. Following no rules. And adhering to no sense of honor. The American People arent fooled by dirty tricks. Voters will never forget that democrats have been triggered into impeaching the president. Because they dont like him and they dont like us. Those who vote yes on todays articles of impeachment must carry the heavy burden of shame and guilt for as long as they serve in congress. Which wont be long because the American People will remember in november. Democrats would rather trip the president just to see him stumble than see america succeed. Theyd rather impeach the
president than Work Together for The Common Good of our country and our citizens. Democrats may have won the house in 2018. But they havent forgiven donald trump for having the audacity to win the presidency. And they havent forgiven you, the American People, for voting for him. The day before she was sworn into congress, one member of the body said she promised to impeach the mother effer. She is not alone. Trumps impeachment was plotted and planned before the ink was even dry on his election certificate. And possibly, before some democrats could even point to the ukraine on a map. And seeking the chairmanship of the judiciary committee, the gentleman from new york said that he was the strongest member to lead a potential impeachment. Democrats may not have known why they were going to impeach the president. But they knew it was an inevitability. Facts be damned. This impeachment is a slap in the face to the millions of americans who voted for President Trump. The same americans that democrats in washington have mocked as smelly walmart shoppers and deplorables. This impeachment isnt legitimate. Its the radical lefts insurance policy. But we have an insurance policy, too. Its the next election and we intend to win it. I yield back. Gentleman from california. Madam speaker, i recognize the gentleman from vermont, mr. Welch, for two minutes. Gentlemans recognized for two minutes. Madam speaker, we, the people, have a common tie that binds us together. Now, as it has since the founding of our country. And its our shared respect for the constitution of the United States. Let us all step back from the malstrom of the moment to recall that our countrys inception 243 years ago, the concept of a democratic, selfgoverning rule was a breathtaking and idealistic aspiration. And when the 13 American Colonies boldly rejected the rule of a british monarch, our founders were determined to form a government that would rule, instead, with the consent of the
governed. Ensuring that this noble experiment endured through the ages was an enormous existential challenge. It was met with the adoption of the constitution in 1788. And at its heart are two Bedrock Principles that have served as touchstones for our country ever since. First, it established america as a nation of laws where no person is Above The Law. Second, it established the concept of a separation of powers where three coequal branches of government would check each other. Less power be concentrated in one at the expense of liberty to all. Mr. Madam speaker, when President Trump abused the power of his office by soliciting foreign interference in the upcoming election for his personal benefit, he willfully infringed upon the right of citizens to decide who will lead our nation. And in doing so, he placed
himself Above The Law and in violation of his oath. And when he denounced, denied, and defied the Clear Authority of congress to investigate his conduct, he repudiated our constitutional system of checks and balances. And further violated his oath to preserve, protect, and defend the constitution. And it is for these reasons, i will cast my vote in favor of impeaching president donald john trump. I yield back. Gentleman from georgia. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I yield two minutes to the gentleman from arizona, mr. Biggs. Gentlemans recognized for two minutes. Thank you, madam chair. Some of my colleagues across the aisle have said where are the facts . As if we have the burden of proof. Its your burden of proof, madam chair. Its the democrats burden of proof. The facts are unchanged. The ukraine received aid they were promised and appropriated for. The aid was lawfully dispersed. In fact, it was dispersed within the time limits set by this
congress. If you wanted it set sent to them before september 30th, 2019, shouldve put that in the legislation. You did not. The ukrainians gave nothing in return. The ukrainians president said he felt no pressure, no coercion, no duress, no conditionality. But what changed . On the day that the aid was released, two anticorruption measures were signed into law by the Ukrainian President , mr. President zelensky. Democrats have manufactured this sham. And then argue that refusing to cooperate is impeachable. The Supreme Court is currently considering the extent of Executive Privilege when fighting dubious subpoenas. But instead of taking their process to court or waiting for the court to rule on the pending case, the democrats chose to press forward because simply they said, we dont want to wait. We dont have time, they say. But failing to do so is an abuse of power of this institution
that will have grave consequences for our republic. Now, when the other side claims they proceed with soberness, im bemused by media reports that indicate they have been admonished not to do a jig today when they win the vote, which we know they will. I am struck that solemnity of process shouldnt need to have admonition against levity. In this impeachment, democrats have lied about the july 25th call. Met secretly with the whistleblower. Held sovietstyle hearings Behind Closed Doors where the judiciary committee, the committee of jurisdiction, could not attend. Blocked the president s counsel from participating in the factfinding portion of the inquisition. It has been a sham from start to finish and i yield back. Gentleman from california. Madam speaker, i recognize mr. Scott for unanimous consent request. Gentlemans recognized. Madam speaker, i ask
unanimous consent to advise and extend remarks in favor of both articles of impeachment. Without objection. Madam speaker, i recognize mr. Carson, the congressman from indiana for two minutes. Gentlemans recognized for two minutes. Thank you, chair, and thank you, Madam Speaker. You know, Madam Speaker, as we continue and consider this historic impeachment vote, lets be clear. That the president s actions seriously jeopardized not only Americas National security but the security of our closest allies. His actions threatened the goals of the u. S. Led nato alliance. You see, ukraine is a nation working hard to make its democracy stronger. And make no mistake. Ukraine is on the front lines of russian aggression. Thankfully, u. S. Military aid helps ukraine defend itself against russia. And integrate itself into the european community. When our european allies are
stronger, americas stronger. We are better equipped to promote democracy and put a stop to tyranny. But to President Trump, strengthening this valuable National Security objective, Madam Speaker, was not as important as smearing a political rival. Madam speaker, we know that he held nearly 400 million of aid to ukraine until president zelensky agreed to help him dig up dirt on his potential 2020 opponent. This aid was approved by congress with strong bipartisan support. President trumps actions hurt american diplomacy and undermined the integrity of our nations promises to our allies. We will not allow our leaders to trade away our National Security. We cannot allow russias continued threats to democracy go unanswered. And we must not allow our own president of these United States to get away with breaking his own Oath Of Office. Madam speaker, that is why we take this solemn, but necessary, vote to impeach. Thank you. And i yield back the balance of my time. Gentleman from georgia. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I yield a minute and a half to the gentleman from ohio. For what period . Minute and a half. Gentlemans recognized for a minute and a half. Thank you, Madam Speaker. This is a sad day for our country. One, that our forefathers warned us against. We have watched this illegitimate Impeachment Process unfold while making a mockery of our constitutional duties. House democrats have conducted the most polarizing Impeachment Process in our nations history. And the men and women i represent are tired of this democratrun house putting political gains above our national interest. House democrats held secret
meetings, withheld important documents, deliberately misrepresented information to the public. It did not give due process to the president. This investigation was unfair and the American People expect more out of congress. The articles of impeachment are not based on facts. But instead, are entirely politicallymotivated. The truth is, there was no pressure put on president zelensky and the transcripts confirm that there was no conditionality. This inquiry has been rigged from the start. Lacking fairness, transparency, and truth. Has been a waste of taxpayers dollars and is based off the opinion of an unnamed whistleblower and hearsay. The accusations in todays proceedings do not align with the facts. This Impeachment Process is out of step with existing precedent for president ial impeachment proceedings. And is not a process i will support. I urge my colleagues to put Country First and vote in opposition to the articles of impeachment. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I yield back. Gentleman from california is recognized. I thank the gentleman. It is now my pleasure to recognize the gentle lady from new york. Chairman maloney is recognized for three minutes. Gentle woman from new york is recognized. Mr. Speaker, i rise today in support of the impeachment of president donald j. Trump. President trump abused the power of his office for his own personal and political gain at the expense of our National Security. President trumps wholesale obstruction of congress is unprecedented, indisputable, and impeachable. President trump is the first president in history to openly and completely defy all aspects of the constitutional Impeachment Process. In an attempt to cover up his
abuse of power, he ordered the entire Executive Branch not to participate in the inquiry. And directed it to defy Lawful Subpoenas from congress. As chair woman of the committee on oversight and reform, i find this obstruction particularly offensive. Even even president nixon accepted congresss impeachment authority. And allowed his aides and advisors to produce the documents to congress. And president nixon allowed current and former staff to testify in both the house impeachment and the Senate Watergate investigations. Including his Chief Of Staff and white house counsel. By contrast, President Trump, without any legal basis, directed current and former officials not to cooperate with the houses inquiry. Which resulted in nine
administration officials Defying Subpoenas for testimony. And in response to the houses inquiry, President Trump refused to turn over even one single not one single document to congress in response to Lawful Subpoenas. Put simply, President Trumps actions are even worse than nixons. Let me repeat. President trumps actions are even worse than nixons. Our Founding Fathers established a system of checks and balances that spread out power between the branches of government. They decided that no one would be a king. That no one is Above The Law. Including the president. And they gave the responsibility of impeachment, solely, to the peoples house. When President Trump defies our subpoenas and obstructs our impeachment inquiry, he seeks to
place himself above the constitution and Above The Law. We cannot let that stand. And if we do, then thats the end of congress as a coequal branch of government. And weve allowed President Trump to elevate himself Above The Law. It is our solemn duty, under the constitution, to impeach President Trump for his blatant abuse of power and his obstruction of congress. I yield back. Gentlewoman from new york yields. Gentleman from california reserves. Thank you, i yield one minute to the gentleman from arkansas. Gentleman from arkansas is recognized. I think the gentleman for giving me this moment. Madam or mr. Speaker, years from now, History Books will tell of this day. It will tell of a purelypartisan effort to remove the president of the United States. An effort not built on a high crime or misdemeanor. Not on a process and keeping
with the high American Standard of due process and equal treatment. This effort is rooted only in the governing partys hatred of a man elected president of the United States. Members on the other side of the aisle have been in pursuit of this moment since 2016. They are consumed by it. Earlier in this debate, one of our colleagues referred to our president as a domestic enemy. Our founders warned us about this day. That is why our nation has entrusted the future of the country with the outcome of elections, not the will of a party filled with contempt for a dulyelected president. My hope is that when the historians write about this day, it is not written in the context of a nation that lost its way because its elected members chose Hateful Partisanship over the sacred oath that has protected this Great Republic since its founding. And i yield back. Gentleman yields. Gentleman from georgia reserve. Gentleman from california is recognized. Speaker, im proud to recognize the gentleman from new jersey for one minute. Gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Speaker, in america, when we call the Fire Department or enroll our children in school, we do not expect a Government Official to say to us, i need you to do us a favor, though. Why would we tolerate a president using his awesome power to make Foreign Policy when the safety of our country is at stake . Not for the people but for himself. I will vote to impeach today because President Trump did just that when he shook down a foreign country to criminally investigate his political rival. If we fail to say that this was wrong, then any president will be free to ask a foreign power, be it russia, china, or iran, to help him hurt his political
enemies at home. And every foreign tyrant will know that americas Foreign Policy can be bought by doing our president a political favor. If you believe that our highest duty is to protect america, then search your conscience and ask. Do you want our future president s to behave as this one has done . Do not whisper in the shadows of the capitol that you disapprove and then defend that conduct here today. Do your duty. Keep your oath. Defend your country. The gentlemans time is expired. Gentleman from california. Gentleman from georgia is recognized. Thank you, mr. Speaker. At this time, i yield one minute to the gentleman from South Carolina. Gentleman from South Carolina is recognized. Thank you, mr. Speaker. Over a month ago, on november the 14th, i spoke on the Impeachment Hoax with points true then and still true today. After over a month of secret
investigations into the administration, democrats have now decided to open these controlled hearings to the public. This continues the deception by democrats to mislead the American People. Its insulting. No republican witness, no counsel by the president to participate in full exoneration by courageous president Volodymyr Zelensky of ukraine. It is said that instead of focusing on funding our military through the National Defense authorization act passed only last week or pass the United States mexico Canada Agreement to create jobs. Democrats continue, having wasted 30 million of the taxpayers money on the russian hoax, now proceeding with a ukrainian hoax. This partisan witch hunt, diverts attention from the president s successes. Unemployment remains at a record low. This is record job creation. The Stock Market Again Today is thriving, showing that President Trump keeps his promises. In conclusion, god bless our troops and we will never forget September 11th and the global war on terrorism. Gentleman from georgia reserves. Gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Speaker, im proud to recognize the gentleman from california, mr. Gomez, for one minute. Gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Speaker, were here at this moment in our nations history because the president abused the power of his office. Bribed a Foreign Government to intrude into our democracy. And engaged in an Unprecedented Campaign of obstruction of congress to cover it up. Our credibility in the Global Community has been compromised. Our character and motivations are questioned. We know where the president s true loyalties lie. Not with our constituents. Not with our allies. But with our adversaries and himself. Abraham lincoln once said nearly all men can stand adversity. But if you want to test a mans character, give him power. Donald trump has failed this test. And now, our test is whether we will be a check on that power. Therefore, we must hold anyone to account. Regardless of party or politics. Who sets fire to the very institutions that define our nation and our values. And with this in mind, i will vote yes to impeach donald j. Trump. I yield back. Gentleman from california yields. Gentleman from california reserve. Gentleman from georgia is recognized. Thank you, speaker. I yield a minute and a half to the gentlewoman from north carolina, ms. Fox. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in strong opposition to the process and to the resolution. When Congress Sees fit to examine its solemn power of impeachment, it is imperative that it does so in genuine pursuit of justice. Fairly, transparently, and objectively. Anything less is unacceptable. This partisan impeachment has fallen far short of that. Sadly, Alexander Hamiltons prediction in federalist number
65 has come true. Where he warned that, in many cases, it will connect itself with the preexisting factions. And will enlist all their animosities, partialities, influence, and interest on one side or on the other. And in such cases, there will always be the greatest danger that the decision will be regulated more by the comparative strength of parties than by the real demonstrations of innocence or guilt. After years of investigations, hearings, and millions of taxpayer dollars, democrats found no proof that the president committed a crime. No proof at the vague accusations in these articles clearly reflect a basic prerequisite for impeachment. Impeaching for High Crimes And Misdemeanors is a charge that an actual crime was committed. These empty, baseless articles expose, for the American People, what this is. A desperate partisan attempt to
avenge the loss of the democrats preferred candidate in 2016. We must respect American Voters and reject these articles. Gentleman from georgia reserves. Gentleman from california is recognized. Thank you, mr. Speaker. Just a quick fact check before i yield to the gentleman from massachusetts. My clolleagues on the other sid of the aisle claim no republican witnesses were allowed to testify. That is, of course, not correct. In the intelligence committee, three of the republicanrequested witnesses testified. That is, one out of every four witnesses were republicanrequested witnesses. That they incriminated the president did not make them any less requested by the minority. I am now proud to recognize the gentleman from massachusetts for one minute. Gentleman from massachusetts is recognized. Today, i reflect on the imperatives of two sons of massachusetts. John adams, who in one sentence, captured the very foundation of our country, saying, we are a government of laws, not men. Translation. No one is Above The Law. And john f. Kennedy, who in his iconic city upon a hill address, cautioned any one of us Holding Public office would be judged by the high court of history on whether we were truly men and women of courage. With the courage to stand up to ones enemies and the courage to stand up, as well, to ones associates. The courage to resist public pressure, as well as private greed. And on whether we are truly men and women of integrity, Who Never Run Out of the principles in which we believe. And whom neither financial gain, nor political ambition, could ever divert from the fulfillment of our sacred trust. President donald trump, indifferent and disdainful of this sacred trust, conspired to extract personal benefit from his office. He dishonored his oath. I refuse to abandon mine. I yield back. Gentleman from north dakota. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would just like to point out very quickly that the only republican witnesses allowed in the intelligence hearings were on democrats preapproved list. With that, i would yield one and a half minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina. Mr. Rice. Gentlemans recognized for one and a half minutes. Madam speaker, i rise in opposition to this partisan sham of an Impeachment Resolution that is ripping our country apart. Beginning even before he took office, President Trump has been attacked by a neverending barrage of lies and corruption and deceit by the liberal, political elite, including james comey, peter strzok, lisa page, hilary clinton, and the impeachment z impeachment zellots in this congress. By producing the nowfamous fake dossier. Now, they accuse President Trump of colluding with a foreign
power. What a joke. They abuse their office to illegally wiretap and spy on President Trumps campaign. Now, they accuse him of abusing his office. What a joke. They structure these proceedings to deny the president and republicans in congress a fair hearing. Then they accuse the president of obstructing congress. Look in the mirror, folks. The reaction of the American People that this is contrived and corrupt was entirely predictable and is entirely correct. The polls have turned against em and the democrats are desperate to stop the bleeding. Thats why were cramming this vote in today. Just before leaving for congress to dispose of impeachment as quickly and painlessly as possible. The actions of the democrats are a stain on this chamber. I urge my colleagues to join me in fighting against in shameful abuse of power and vote no on this sham of an impeachment
resolution. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I yield back. Gentleman from california. Madam speaker, didnt think id have to do another fact check so quickly. But of course there was no preapproved witness list. Im now proud to recognize the gentleman from new york, mr. Meeks, for one minute. Gentleman is recognized for one minute. The decision to impeach a president of the United States is of enormous magnitude and utmost significance. There are few issues that so deeply reflect upon the constitution and the american system of governance. As a Senior Member of the United States house Foreign Affairs committee, ive spent years trying to promote American Values of democracy and the rule of law in other parts of the world. Including eastern europe. Because i have been in ukrainian issues for so long, i know how
damaging President Trumps actions were. But the president s damages does not end there. He has consistently obstructed at every turn of this investigation. This nations Founding Fathers fought to end unaccountable rule. We did not free ourselves from a king to turn the president into a monarch. But the camera of history is rolling. And i will cast my vote consistent with the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and our constitution. For the impeachment of president donald j. Trump, i do so because i could not look my granddaughter or any member of future generations in the eye having condoned action that undermine our democratic system. And i urge all of my colleagues to do the same. May god bless United States of america. Gentleman from georgia. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I yield one minute to the gentleman from nebraska. Gentlemans recognized for one minute. Madam speaker, i am strongly opposed to this impeachment. No law was broken. No high crimes or misdemeanors. No Impeachable Offenses. Ukrainians received aid one week prior to the laws requirement. Aid that was previously rejected by the by the administration before it. There was no investigation and president zelensky said he received no pressure from the Trump Administration ever. Simply put, there was no quid pro quo. And no crime. Theres only the majoritys disdain for the president. And that is not an Impeachable Offense. The elections are in ten months. But the majority Doesnt Trust The the American People. Too many have said that the impeachment is necessary so the president is not reelected in 2020. And that is shameful. Todays vote sets a new precedent for america. In the future, the majority will use impeachment as a tactic to remove a president. Simply based on partisanship. Our founders feared this. And i strongly oppose it. I want my statement to be in the record for the end of time to show i was on the side of the constitution. That i opposed the Majority Taking down a dulyelected president who committed no crime. And i defended the truth. Madam speaker, i yield. Gentleman from california. Madam speaker, my colleagues continue to make the argument that the ukrainians got the money. Yes, the president got caught. But they got the money. No harm, no foul. It is the equivalent of saying, if youre pulled over by a cop and you attempt to bribe the cop and the cop doesnt take the money but arrests you. Well, wheres the crime in that . They didnt get the money. This is this is what my colleagues would have you accept. This is what my colleagues would have you accept. That because the president got caught in the act, we must look the other way. But of course, thats not the way the law works. Thats not the way the constitution works. Thats not the way our Oath Of Office works. Our Oath Of Office requires us to impeach a president that abuses his power. Whether he gets away with it or he gets caught. And in this case, he got caught. I am now proud to recognize the
gentleman from new jersey for one minute. Gentlemans recognized for one minute. Madam speaker, i rise today, a time of grave concern for all americans. This past weekend, i joined a bipartisan delegation traveling to belgium, to luxembourg, for the 75th Anniversary of the battle of the bulge. A battle over 19,000 americans gave their lives. Today, we are called to preserve that democracy they so bravelily defended. Over two years ago, i was one of the first members in congress to vote to advance the inquiry. Since then, i have withheld final judgment as i review the facts. And heard the testimony. I believe there is overwhelming evidence, well beyond reasonable doubt, that President Donald Trump is guilty in both articles of impeachment. Abuse of power and obstruction
of congress. Therefore, i will uphold my oath to protect and defend the constitution of the United States in favor of impeachment. It is our solemn responsibility to honor all those who have fought and given their lives. To uphold the truth, in america, no one no one is Above The Law. Gentlemans times expired. Gentleman from georgia. Wow, i just love this. Pot shot whenever you can. Remember quid pro quo . Didnt work out real well for em because that was supposedly you had pressure on mr. Zelensky. You know, in fact, it didnt work out so well, you had to go poll test it. The Majority Didnt Work Out because focus groups didnt like it. What do we do . Throw it in here. A bribe. Its all in the report but if they had a bribe or actually had a crime, itd be in the articles. Guess what . He doesnt have it. He kntd put it in there. This is all fluff and circumstance because they cant get to the president and thats whats killing them. A minute and a half to the gentleman from indiana. Gentlemans recognized for minute and a half. Madam speaker, House Democrats have been obsessed with impeaching President Trump since he was elected. He wasnt supposed to win. How could the voters support him, they asked . The American People were told the only way the speaker would move forward with impeachment was if the case was compelling, overwhelming, and bipartisan. Yet, the case for impeachment that has been rushed forward by House Democrats is anything but that. To be clear, neither of these articles of impeachment prove any wrongdoing or Impeachable Offense has actually taken place. Instead, House Democrats case rests solely on Hearsay Testimony and presumptions from cherry picked witnesses. The framers of the constitution never intended impeachment to be used as a tool to settle political and policy differences. Thats what elections are for. This is a sad and dangerous moment in our history as impeachment is being used to undo the will of the American People and silence the voices of millions of americans in the process. Alexander hamilton would be
ashamed. I urge my colleagues to vote no on this partisan impeachment sham and i yield back. Gentleman from california. Madam speaker, i now yield one minute to mr. Crow, the gentleman from colorado. Gentlemans recognized for one minute. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Years ago, i took my first oath to the country. Went to war and fought alongside our nations finest men and women. Some of them gave their lives for our nation. Not a day has passed that i dont reflect on those sacrifices. I learned during that time that our nation is built on sacrifice. We have overcome challenging times because people have decided to put aside their personal interests, their livelihoods, and yes, even give their lives to do what is best for our nation. Our founders created a system to ensure we would have no kings or dictators. A system that vested power in the people. To ensure that no man or woman is Above The Law. Generation after generation, this system has survived because people have fought for it. Today, it is our turn. The president s abuse of power and scorn for our constitutional checks and balances is unprecedented. Unless we stand up against these abuses, we will set the country on a dangerous new course. My oath, my love of our country, and my duty to honor the sacrifices who came before us, require me to act. To my colleagues, it is time to put aside our personal and political interests. And honor those who have come before us. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I yield back. Gentleman from georgia. Thank you, Madam Speaker. At this point, i yield 30 seconds to the gentleman 35 seconds to the gentleman from georgia. Gentlemans recognized for 35 seconds. The democrats new definition for evidence is allegations. Allegations based on hearsay, i might add. So they hurl allegations against the president and then they say to him that its not their responsibility to prove guilt. But the president s responsibility to prove his
innocence. This has been a sham and an act of injustice against the president and against 93 million americans who voted for him. And although this president was rigged from the beginning, democrats never produced a single true piece of evidence. Its time for us to stop this hoax and vote against these articles of impeachment. Gentleman from california. Madam speaker, im proud to recognize the gentlewoman from virginia. For what period of time . Im sorry, for one minute. Thank you. Gentle lady is recognized for one minute. Madam speaker, i rise today in support of our constitution. In support of the Military Members in harms way, who defend our constitution. In support of gold star families who keep faith that their loved ones sacrifice was justified. I rise today in support of the oath i first took at 17 upon entering the Naval Academy and took five more times in my
20year navy career. An oath that comforted me in the years i spent away from my family, deployed around the globe. An oath that encouraged me to remain vigilant on the bridge of the ship at night. An oath that strengthened me when in command as i set nt my fellow sailors into harms way. And today, an oath that gives me resolve. Resolve to do what is right and not what is politicallyexpedient. Resolve to stand with the president at the white house last week and resolve to stand up to the president in this house today. I ask my colleagues to have the same strength and the same resolve. I yield back. Gentleman from georgia. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I give 35 seconds to the gentleman from north carolina, mr. Walker. Gentlemans recognized for 35 seconds. When emotion superseeds the facts, the conclusion is cataclysmic. Today, we are ramping up not a
threemonth process but rather a threeyear process with democrats disdain, so much, that its led to the abuse of this very house. These are the same democrats who promised america they saw evidence of russian collusion. Do the American People trust them . Hell no, they dont. A growing number of American People have condemned this Impeachment Process and thats what House Democrats setting the rules and then even bending and breaking the rules to fit their narrative. Majority of americans see this circus for what it is. I yield back. Gentleman from california. Madam speaker, i recognize the gentlewoman from california for one minute. Gentle lady is recognized for one minute. Madam speaker, i rise today to defend our constitution and our democracy by voting for the two articles of impeachment. The words of our sacred oath define our duty. And those words must be kept. Our founders primal fear was that powerful members of our government would become, in
hamiltons words, mercenary instruments of foreign corruption. President trump abused the powers of the presidency by ignoring and injuring National Security and other Vital National interests to obtain an improper personal benefit. He also betrayed our nation by abusing his high office to enlist a foreign power in corrupting democratic elections. Article two, i agree with because it details the obstruction of congress by the president. By directing unprecedented, categorical, and indiscriminate defiance of subpoenas issued by this House Of Representatives. And abused the powers of the presidency in a manner s subversive to the constitution. I believe gentle ladys time is expired. Is the soul of our nation and by defending it, we are saying we will not be soulless. Gentleman from georgia. Thank you, Madam Speaker, i yield 35 seconds to the gentleman from kentucky. Gentlemans recognized for 35 seconds. Democrats are impeaching the president for following a law that they, themselves, voted for. No less than five times in the last six years, Bipartisan Congress has imposed on the Executive Branch an affirmative duty to ensure that the government of ukraine was countering corruption and for good reason. Ukraine is the thirdmost corrupt nation on earth. So the president not only had the Legal Authority to temporarily pause Security Assistance to ukraine. He had a mandate from congress to do it. And as a result, president zelenskys government made historic anticorruption reforms, making ukraine a more reliable ally. Countering russian aggression far from compromising National Security. The president s actions gentlemans times expired. National security. Oppose this impeachment. Madam speaker, my colleagues would have the country believe that the president held up the aid to ukraine because he was concerned about corruption. Of course, there is not a shred of evidence for that. All of the National Security experts across all the departments testified that ukraine met the criteria to receive the aid. So what was the real motivation here . Well, one thing is telling. In 2017, the president had no problem with aid to ukraine. Raised no issue of corruption. In 2018, he had no problem with the military aid for ukraine. So what changed in 2019 . Joe biden announced he was running for president. And all of a sudden, donald trump held up the aid for ukraine. As ambassador sondland testified, the president didnt care about ukraine. All he cared about was the big stuff that affected him personally. The investigation of the bidens that giuliani was pushing. Its my pleasure to recognize the gentle lady from virginia for one minute. Gentle ladys recognized for one minute. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today in support of House Resolution 755. As a cia case officer, i used to meet with foreign nationals who were providing vital intelligence to help inform our hardest National Security decisions and keep our country safe. These individuals from countries where leaders abuse their power and defied the rule of law, risked imprisonment and often their very lives in order to provide the United States with information to help us. To inform us. But why . It was their belief in the United States. Their belief in our country, the longeststanding democracy in the world. Our country, a Beacon Of Hope in the world. A Democratic Republic founded on a document and the belief in the rule of law. And a belief in its people. Today, i am proud to serve in the peoples house representing my hometown. And again, serving our country
that Beacon Of Hope in the world. And today, especially today, i reflect on the founding documents that have set us apart in the world. Leading people across generations and across the world to risk everything because of their belief in our great nation. Today, especially today, i affirm my commitment to upholding and protecting the constitution, the rule of law, and the people it governs. I yield back. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I yield 35 seconds to the gentleman from texas. Gentlemans recognized for 35 seconds. Today, many of my democratic colleagues will be making history. Unfortunately, for supporting the firstever completely partisan impeachment of a president of the United States. Mr. Speaker, i am deeply disturbed that history will, indeed, be made day in this hallow chamber. But for all the wrong reasons. Not for love of country but hatred for a political foe. Not to pursue justice but to punish a political adversary. Not to seek truth but to seize political power for the love of country. I urge my colleagues to oppose this disastrous political ruse. I yield back. Gentleman yields back. Gentleman from california. Recognize the gentlewoman from california, chairman chairwoman waters for three minutes. Gentle lady is recognized for three minutes. Ladies and gentlemen, unfortunately, the rules of do bait won debate wont allow me to cite all of the reasons why this president should be impeached. There are many. However, Madam Speaker and members of this house, to quote the late maya angelo, when someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. This day was not inevitable but it was predictable because this president has shown himself time
and time again to believe that he is Above The Law. And he has no respect for our constitution or our democracy. Based on all that we know about donald trump, we could we could predicted he would have abused the power of the president by corruptly soliciting the government of ukraine and Ukrainian President zelensky to publicly announce investigations into his political opponent, former Vice President joseph r. Biden. This Impeachment Resolution includes evidence that this president withheld 391 million of taxpayer funds that congress appropriated for the purpose of providing vital military and Security Assistance to ukraine to oppose russian aggression. Another blatant abuse of power. Our investigations revealed this president advanced a discredited theory, promoted by russia, alleging that ukraine, rather
than russia, interfered in the 2016 president ial election for corrupt purposes in pursuit of personal, political benefit. Never before in our history have we experienced a president who has so clearly conducted himself in a Manner Offensive to and Subversive Of The Constitution and directed his cabinet members, executive Branch Agencies and other white house officials to defy Lawful Subpoenas from congress. Was he attempting to hide wrongdoing . It is without question this president has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to National Security and the constitution if allowed to remain in office and has acted in a manner grossly inkpatsable with selfgovernance and the rule of law. Because at every turn he has shown us who he is. It is no secret that this president could have been
impeached a long time ago. Today we stand here with an irrefutable case and indisputable set of facts that this president absolutely abused his power and obstructed congress. Any other individual who would have been caught conducting themselves in the way this president has would have been prosecuted to the full extent of the law. It is shameful that any members of this house are willing to disregard the constitution. Turn a blind eye to hard facts and ignore a confession from the president himself. History will remember those who are willing to speak truth to power. Yes, i call for trumps impeachment early. This is our country. Our foremothers and our forefathers share their blood to build and defend this democracy. I refuse to have it undermined. I wholeheartedly support this resolution. Im proud in the final analysis, justice will have been served in america and donald trump will have been impeached. Your time has expired. Gentleman from georgia. Adam speaker gentleman from georgia. Reclaiming the time the gent gentlewoman did not have. What is shameful is senator pelosi allowed this witchhunt to move forward. Shes the one who abused her power and we should be removing her from the house. Reagan said the problem with our liberal friends is not that theyre ignorant, its they know so much that isnt so. And mark my words, Madam Speaker, this sinister attempt to remove this lawful president will not go unnoticed. A yield back. Gentleman from california. I recognize the gentle lady for November November for this unanimous request. Lady is recognized. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent to enter my statement into the record supporting the impeachment of donald trump. And i recognize the gentleman mr. Heinz for two minutes. The gentleman is recognized for two minutes. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise for anger and hope. Im angry that President Donald Trump treated his oath in office so disrespectfully that now we must hold him in account. The truth is clear to anyone not dib literally looking away. The president held a white house meeting unless and until a vulnerable Ukrainian President announced a nakedly political investigation. It didnt matter if the ukraines uncovered any wrongdoing. The mere announcement of an investigation would damage his political opponent. Mr. Trump didnt care about stopping construction in ukraine. Never mentioned the word corruption once in the infamous july 25th call. This was not an attempt to reduce ukraine corruption. It was an attempt by donald j. Trump to Aim Ukrainian Corruption straight at the heart of the president ial election of 2020. The president knows this, which is why he has not given his congress a single email, phone record or document. That is not the behavior of a man with nothing to hide. It is sixly amply and undeniabl attempt of this congress. What makes this Impeachment Essential is the president s abuse of power has not stopped. As we speak, he continues to urge foreign interference in our country, beseeching china to investigate the bidens, sending
rudy giuliani to chase conspiracy theories. This morning the president tweeted, i did nothing wrong, all caps. He believes it too. He sees nothing wrong with inviting russian, ukraine or chinese interference in our election. He did it. He continues to do it and he sees nothing wrong with it. Hell wake up tomorrow and do it again if We Dont Stop Him today. Therein lies our hope. Im proud today to answer the call to defend our democracy and the United States constitution and urge my colleagues to do the same. I yield back the balance of my time. Gentleman from georgia. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for things i really dont understand, im having to yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from migs, mr. Kelly. Gentleman is recognized for 30 seconds. Madam speaker, im saddened today i spent two christmases defending our country overseas and i get a measly 30 seconds to speak in this laughable process. Our president made a Campaign Promise to drain the swamp and there are those relying on swamp
creatures word to preserve aswamp. How do you suppress the volts of 63 Million People in an electoral landslide . You repeat the same lies to any factual basis. I heard if you dont like the facts, rewrite them in a parity and speak. If they are so disputable, why is the Minority Leader begging for more witnesses. You cant dispute something that never happened. I ask my colleagues to vote no to this sham. I yield back. Gentleman from california. Speaker recognizes the gentleman from illinois, mr. Mcmurphy, for two minutes. Gentleman is recognized two minutes. Madam speaker, like many of my colleagues, i never ran for congress wanting to impeach anybody, let alone the president of the United States. Yet given the facts, here we are. While two key questions remain unanswered, two facts are clear
and have me support the article of impeachment. First, President Trump pressured an election government to help his reelection campaign. Second, the president used the power of his office again to construct an investigation into that wrongdoing. The president has falsely claimed hes been denied the chance to defend himself but at the same time hes preventing the testimony of witnesses with direct knowledge of the events under investigation. If the president were innocent as he claims, surely these witnesses would be able to testify to that. If there had been know quid pro quo, these witnesses could say that. If aid too ukraine with not intentionally delayed for improper purposes, they could testify to that also. But given the chance to eck spoo, the president silenced them. The president silenced wiz at the defense department. The president has silenced
witnesses at the state department. The president has silenced witnesses at the white house. He even silenced the Loquacious Mi mick mulvaney, who uttered at a Press Conference there was a quid pro quo and get over it. By choosing to block this testimony, the president is not proving his innocence. Hes just proving hes afraid of what they have to say. As a wise man once said, the truth will come to light, and it has. It is our duty to act on it. I yield back. Gentleman from georgia. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Its a shame on the floor of the house you accuse somebody and make them prove theyre not guilty of what youre accusing them of. Thats a bad look. Gentleman is recognized 30 seconds. Madam speaker, today i rise in partisan position of this ee quell that fails to do what