Investigating President Trump and Ukraine

Floor Speech

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Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, three of the House committees investigating President Trump's dealings with Ukraine subpoenaed administration officials. They seek answers as to why President Trump would purposely withhold critical military assistance from Ukraine.

Such a request is well within the committee's constitutional legislative powers. It is also central to establishing whether President Trump knowingly withheld military assistance to coerce Ukrainian Government officials into creating a false narrative on his political rival, Vice President Joe Biden.

On October 15, the committees received a letter from the Vice President, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Department of Defense rejecting the House subpoena. One letter even indicated the administration was ``unable to comply with your request for documents at this time.''

Mr. Speaker, this is unconscionable. As co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus and a senior member on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I am greatly disheartened that U.S.- Ukraine relations could be put at risk just to advance and cover up President Trump's malfeasance.

America deserves transparency and truth, and the Trump administration must work with Congress or face constitutional justice.

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