Kaptur Votes For Pivotal Impeachment Resolution

Statement

Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), released the following statement:

"Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass a resolution providing a clear path forward on the public-facing phase of the House impeachment inquiry into the conduct of President Donald Trump," said Rep. Kaptur. "The passage of this resolution will allow the American people to view public-hearings and discover firsthand the abuses of power carried out by President Trump and his Administration, in addition to any attempts to cover them up."

"Many credible witnesses with direct knowledge of the conduct and actions of the President and those close to him have come forward. They include decorated military veterans and career foreign service officers -- people who have dedicated their lives to serving the United States. They have detailed disturbing breaches of U.S. national security and a shadow foreign policy campaign pressuring a foreign country, Ukraine, to interfere in a U.S. election in favor of President Trump's reelection. Specifically, the witnesses have reaffirmed the original whistleblower complaint that the United States, at the direction of President Trump, withheld vital military assistance as a means to pressure Ukraine into investigating conspiracy theories relating to President Trump's likely electoral opponent. If this proves to be true, the actions are illegal and violate our Constitutional traditions of separating partisan political gain from U.S. foreign policy.

"This resolution provides a pathway for such individuals to testify publicly and be questioned on a bipartisan basis by members of both political parties. Together, we will unveil the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth relating to any abuses of power carried out by the President and his Administration."

Key Provisions in the Resolution

Reaffirms the ongoing impeachment inquiry.

The resolution makes clear that the investigating committees have been engaged in an impeachment inquiry and directs them to continue their vital work.

Ensures transparency.

The resolution authorizes the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) to make transcripts of their recent depositions public with appropriate redactions made for classified or other sensitive information.
The resolution establishes procedures for all investigating committees to transmit their evidence to the Committee on the Judiciary for use in their proceedings.

Enables effective public hearings.

The resolution permits staff counsels to follow their lines of inquiry to their ends by allowing for periods of up to 45 minutes per side in the questioning of witnesses.
This approach builds on the precedent of having staff counsels conduct initial questioning, followed by Member questions, that Republicans set for the questioning of Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr in 1998.
The resolution also continues the precedent of giving the minority the same rights to question witnesses that the majority has, as has been true at every step of the inquiry.

Provides the President opportunities to participate.

The resolution establishes opportunities for the President or his counsel to participate in impeachment proceedings held by the Committee on the Judiciary, including to:
Present their case and respond to evidence;
Submit written requests for additional testimony or other evidence;
Attend hearings, including those held in executive session;
Raise an objection to testimony given; and
Cross-examine witnesses.
If the President unlawfully refuses to cooperate with Congressional requests, the Chair shall have the discretion to impose appropriate remedies, including by denying specific requests by the President or his counsel.

Directs the Committee on the Judiciary to review the evidence and, if necessary, to report Articles of Impeachment to the House.

Following the precedent of every modern impeachment inquiry, the Committee on the Judiciary will recommend whether Articles shall be reported to the House.

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