Country. The administration has worked with the Committee Staff to observe 11 cpb holding facilities, 13 i. C. E. Detention facilities and six state licensed that contract. Good evening, im Chris Matthews in washington where tonight were watching history in the making as the House Judiciary Committee debates articles of impeachment against donald trump. Votes are expected to take place any moment now. Lets listen in. The committee threatened witnesses that and i quote, any failure to appear, any failure to appear in response to a mere letter requesting their presence for a deposition shall and i quote constitute evidence of obstruction. This is just letters, not subpoenas. In letters to the State Department employees, the committee threatened to witnesses that if they insist on
having Agency Counsel present to protect the Executive Branch in their Confidentiality Interests or if they make any effort to protect Confidentiality Interests at all, these officials would have their salaries
Power of the office to obtain an improper personal benefit while ignoring and injuring the national interest. Or acts in ways that are grossly inconsistent with and undermine the separation of powers that is the foundation of our democratic system. Now, these this question of whether president engaged in abuse of power came up before when this congress considered the impeachment of president nixon. And after action was taken, president nixon famously said if the president does it, it is not illegal. And this body rejected that because thats not so. That goes directly contrary to what the founders said. But President Trump has said the same thing in responding to the prior investigation by Department Of Justice and defending his conduct. Here is what he said then i have an article, too, where i have to write to do whatever i want as president. That he has the right to do
whatever he wants as president. That is as wrong as when president nixon said a similar thing. That is not what the c
President or were going to let some foreign power do it. You know who has the right to elect the american president , the citizens of this country and no one else. Men and women have died on the battlefield to protect our democracy. The least we can do is show the courage to stand up tonight and do our part to protect our democracy. With that i yield back. Gentleman yields back. Does anyone else seek recognition on the amendment . Mr. Armstrong. Gentleman is recognized. And im going to go back to the actual language of the amendment and in particular the removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States. So at numerous points in times during todays debate have they my friends on other side of the aisle have held up a pocket constitution, waved it around. I think its interesting nobodys read from it yet and i think theres a reason for that. But im going to read from the constitution. You are joining our live coverage
Facilities across the country. The administration has worked with the Committee Staff to observe 11 cpb, 13 i. C. E. Detention activities to contract with hhs. Contrary to the assertions from the democrats, the Trump Administration has cooperated substantially in matters related to the border and elsewhere, but lets just contrast that with the democrats combative posture. In letters to the state Department Employees the committee threatened witnesses that, and i quote, any failure to appear, any failure to appear in response to a mere letter requesting their presence for deposition shall, and i quote, constitute evidence of obstruction. This is just letter, not subpoenas. In letters the state Department Employees in letters to the state Department Employees the committee threatened witnesses that if they insist on having
agency counsel present to protect the Executive Branch in their Confidentiality Interest or if they make any effort to protect Confidentiality Interest at all, these o
And one that once again will work with the president to get things done for you and your family, then join with us in rejecting this baseless impeachment. Thats whats wonderful about this system of ours. We are a government of, by and for the people. Always remember we work for you, not the other way around. Now i will say this stronger and with more conviction than i have ever said it before. In this time of great trial and tribulation, may god bless america. I yield back. [ applause ] gentleman from california is recognized. House will be in order. Gentleman from california. Madam speaker, i recognize myself for the remainder of our time. Gentleman is recognized. Madam speaker, my colleagues, after eight hours, let us return to where we began with the articles themselves. Article one charges the president of the United States with abusing the power of his office by coerce an ally into cheating in a u. S. Election on his behalf. It charges the president of the United States it charge