,
12 tweets,
2 min read
Read on Twitter
It is time for the House of Representatives to begin an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump. /1
Those that know me know that I generally shy away from sharp partisanship in favor of the negotiation and compromise required for law to be made. /2
But there are moments for calculation. For prudence, compromise and the careful weighing of competing interests. And there are moments for clarity and conviction. This is such a moment. /3
From the moment of his inauguration, this President has shown contempt for the truth, has attacked our institutions, and has ignored the Constitution he swore to defend. /4
I have, until now, been conflicted about those interests. Impeachment, along with the right to declare war, is the most awesome power of Congress. /5
Impeachment is divisive. The politics of impeachment are messy and uncertain, and might, in the short run, serve the President’s narrow political interests. /6
But look at where we are today. Republicans in this chamber cheer or justify or stand woefully silent in the face of behavior for which they would have impeached a Democratic president many times over. Our best and most proven ideas cannot get even a hearing in the Senate. /7
Unless we restore respect for the law, respect for truth and respect for common decency, we cannot hope to solve any of our other pressing problems. /8
The American people should understand that opening an impeachment inquiry is not removal of the President. Given the behavior of the Senate, that outcome is probably out of the question. /9
But, I believe an impeachment inquiry will be a fair airing and consideration of the facts that the American people must understand. /10
There are moments for careful calculation. For weighing political expediency and conflicting interests. And there moments for clarity and conviction. This is that moment. /11
Read my full statement here: bit.ly/2RuGUm6 /12
