october 26, the president argued that congress should not even be allowed to impeach him under the constitution. and then on october 8th, white house counsel acting on behalf of the president wrote a already to the house and said that president trump cannot permit his administration to participate. well, this is not a fishing expedition. this is a matter of grave importance, and we ve talked about at length the abuse of power that the president has exhibited. but what why did the president refuse to produce? we ve heard about the dozen officials that he s blocked. but what about all of the documents that we ve asked for? what about the witnesses who did come forward, who told us about the briefing materials for president trump s calls with president zelenski that were prepared by lieutenant colonel vindman and the staff summaries of conclusions for meetings relating to ukraine including
explain what the witnesses probably said, did say what it is. that s all you need to hear. if you re going to vote on guilt or innocence, um impeachmeimpea not, you don t need to hear from the witnesses. we don t need no stinking witnesses. just bring us the chance to vote and we will vote. it is an outrage. there s nothing reasonable about what s gone on. and especially it is so ironic. this is the same week when the corruption of the department of justice has been shown, and there is no sorrow, no apology, no no remorse whatsoever by this incredible abusive system. so, the obstruction of congress is by people in congress. the administration has not been unreasonable. they ve seen what has happened
my family knows something about the sacrifice of service. two of my brothers served in the navy during the vietnam, my brother bob serving two tours in vietnam. and i m lucky to serve with those who have served on my own staff. first lieutenant collin mylon who was recently called to active duty and tim mac and dave corr gann, proud marines. now as members of congress, it is our turn to stand up. dr. king once said the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience. it s where he stands at time of challenge and controversy. this is a time of great challenge. and some of my colleagues do not want to face the realities of a president s wrong doings. and so i ask my colleagues tonight, what are you afraid of? this country was built by those who were brave enough to stand up against king george.
we are called to stand up against donald j. trump. what are you afraid of? look to our framers. look to our patriots for courage because this is about courage, the courage to honor our oath, my oath, your oath. mr. chairman, i will with somberness and purpose yet with confidence in our constitution be voting no on this amendment and be voting yes on these articles of impeachment. and with that, i yield back. mr. chairman. the gentle lady yields back. who seeks what purpose? gentleman is recognized. thank you mr. chairman. i support the amendment and i offer this to you. charging the president with obstruction of congress is frankly unprecedented. and in itself, it threatens our
representatives. but the facts don t match up with these claims. president has legitimate constitutional privileges and the courts can and should determine the boundaries of these privileges. the white house released two call transcripts to the public for review during this process. ambassador sondland said the president told him go tell the truth when the ambassador told the president he was asked to testify before congress. in addition these claims of obstruction ignore the appropriate role of the third branch of government, to review conflicts between the executive and congress. the majority by seeking to impeach the president for failing to yield to their demands in oversight or impeachment investigation fails to distinguish instances where the prior president south review while withholding testimony and documents. they also oversaw where the two branches negotiated in good faith over the return of documents. but after the failure of the majority to negotiation in good faith over t