Langevin Votes to Advance Public Impeachment Inquiry

Statement

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today voted for H. Res. 660, a resolution to begin the public phase of the impeachment inquiry into President Trump. The resolution outlines procedures for public hearings by the House Intelligence Committee and ensures the President will have the opportunity to participate in House Judiciary Committee hearings on whether to recommend articles of impeachment to the full House. The resolution passed the House by a vote of 232-196.

"The evidence that has been gathered by the House Intelligence Committee paints a bleak picture of a president who seemingly violated his oath of office," said Congressman Langevin. "It is now time to bring the impeachment investigation into full public view so the American people can judge for themselves. Our procedures are fair, transparent, and keeping with past precedent. President Trump will have an opportunity to defend himself, but his statements to date have only demonstrated more clearly how he jeopardized our national security in the name of political gain. The President must remember: no one is above the law."

The impeachment inquiry resolution is based on procedures used during the modern impeachment inquiries into Presidents Nixon and Clinton. Its passage comes as the Intelligence Committee interviews witnesses who have knowledge of the President's decision to withhold military aid to Ukraine in order to pressure that country's leader to investigate a political rival. Following the public portion of the inquiry, the Judiciary Committee will deliberate whether or not to recommend articles of impeachment to the full House of Representatives.

H. Res. 660 reaffirms the ongoing impeachment inquiry and makes clear certain powers and procedures. The resolution:

Ensures transparency by authorizing the Intelligence Committee to make transcripts of their recent depositions public and establishing procedures for all investigating committees to transmit their evidence to the Judiciary Committee.
Sets fair and effective rules for public hearings.
Establishes opportunities for the President or his counsel to participate in impeachment proceedings held by the Judiciary Committee.
Directs the Judiciary Committee to review the evidence and, if necessary, to report articles of impeachment to the House.

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