Sought to protect us. But now along comes a president who actually says he is constitutionally empowered to do whatever he wants. That he can neither be prosecuted or even investigated for any crime. And that he can totally ignore any impeachment proceeding of which he disapproves. These are the claims of a wanna be tyrant who has extowed the virtues of tyrants from manila to moscow. To advance tyranny, he adopts an openborder policy. Inviting foreigners to come into our country and intrude in our elections. Foreign nations have their own agendas. Especially, adversaries like rush s russia and china. American citizens should be the only ones determining the fate of america. If the president continues demanding more foreign interference, we will never have trulyfree elections. And we will not be free. We act today, recognizing the solemn responsibility to safeguard our security and constitution. We pledge allegiance to the flag. And the republic for which it stands. Not to one man who would be king. Gentleman from georgia. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Before i call my next speaker, could i get a time check from
the speaker . The gentleman from georgia has 1 hour 3 and a quarter minutes remaining. The gentleman from california has 57 and a quarter minutes remaining. That was one hour and three and a quarter minutes. One hour and three and a quarter minutes. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you. For that, now i yield one minute to the gentleman from one minute and a half to the gentleman from georgia. Gentlemans recognized for a minute and a half. Thank you to my friend from georgia. And thank you for your great work in dealing with with this very sad day in our country. Today, for the third time in our nations history, a president will be impeached. This will be, however, the first time impeachment has been entirely partisan and without merit. This charade is not becausePresident Trump is guilty of a high crime or misdemeanor. But because one Political Party doesnt like him or his policies of america first. The facts are we have a divided government and House Democrats are at war with the Executive Branch. Fact two, they have been planning for this day since President Trump took office. Fact three, they accuse the president first and then have spent months looking for a crime. Fact four, but no evidence has been presented of an Impeachable Offense. During one of the partisan hearings, a member of this body asked if President Trump had evidence of his innocence. Why didnt he bring it forward . The democrats want americans to believe that our president is guilty until he proves himself innocent . That whole process is unconstitutional. Today, weve heard both sides. But we need to get the truth. And the truth is the decision of who should be our president should be made by the American People. Not speaker pelosi, adam schiff, and House Democrats. Thank you. And i yield back. Gentleman from california. Madam speaker, i recognize the gentleman from new york. Chairman evening for three minutes. Gentleman is recognized for three minutes. I thank my friend, mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Foreign Affairs committee, i have to say that this is a sad day. No one is gleeful that the president s actions have brought us to this point. But when you boil it down, were here today because the president abused the power of his office to help his chances at reelection. He used the enormous weight of the presidency and American Foreign policy to push a Foreign Government to smear a political rival. And he got caught. Why is this conduct so serious . Why has the president s behavior pushed the House Of Representatives to exercise one of its most consequential,
constitutional responsibilities . Because corrupting an american election, particularly in cahoots with a foreign power, means corrupting american democracy. Our elections are at the heart of our democracy. The foundation of what makes our system of government great. Our republic. If we can keep it, as Benjamin Franklin once said. If our elections are unfair, then our republic cannot stand. Anyone who tries to fix an election is taking away the power of the American People to choose their leaders. If it happens at any level of government, its toxic to our democracy. And this came from the highest level. In this case, its even more serious because what was the president willing to give up for this advantage . What price was he willing to pay . The price was our National Security. When the president devised the shadow Foreign Policy that undermined our diplomacy and diplomats. When he held Back Assistance for ukraine, who was embroiled in a
war against russia. When he pressured a Foreign Government to interfere in our elections again. He sacrificed our security. He shook the faith of a loyal ally. He played right into the hands of vladimir putin. He weakened our country, all because he thought it might help his reelection bid. Only the president has that power to corrupt our Foreign Policy for political gain. And the moment he chose to do so, the moment he he undermined our security in a scheme to undermine our democracy. Whether he succeeded or not, and thank god he did not. At that moment, it became an abuse of power. And a president who abuses his power for personal gain is exactly what the framers feared. Its why impeachment is in the constitution. So we need to pass these articles. The president s actions have left us no choice. He cannot be allowed to undermine our democracy and tear apart the fabric that holds our country together. So i will vote for impeachment and i yield back. Gentleman from georgia. Thank you, Madam Speaker. This time, i yield two minutes to the Ja Frgentleman from flor two minutes . Gentlemans recognized for two minutes. This is not about the ukraine. Its about power. Donald trump has it and House Democrats want it. So with no crime, no victim, no evidence, no proof, no agenda for america, this Impeachment Charade marches on. Following no rules. And adhering to no sense of honor. The American People arent fooled by dirty tricks. Voters will never forget that democrats have been triggered into impeaching the president. Because they dont like him and they dont like us. Those who vote yes on todays articles of impeachment must carry the heavy burden of shame and guilt for as long as they serve in congress. Which wont be long because the American People will remember in november. Democrats would rather trip the president just to see him stumble than see america succeed. Theyd rather impeach the
president than Work Together for The Common Good of our country and our citizens. Democrats may have won the house in 2018. But they havent forgiven donald trump for having the audacity to win the presidency. And they havent forgiven you, the American People, for voting for him. The day before she was sworn into congress, one member of the body said she promised to impeach the mother effer. She is not alone. Trumps impeachment was plotted and planned before the ink was even dry on his election certificate. And possibly, before some democrats could even point to the ukraine on a map. And seeking the chairmanship of the judiciary committee, the gentleman from new york said that he was the strongest member to lead a potential impeachment. Democrats may not have known why they were going to impeach the president. But they knew it was an inevitability. Facts be damned. This impeachment is a slap in the face to the millions of americans who voted for President Trump. The same americans that democrats in washington have mocked as smelly walmart shoppers and deplorables. This impeachment isnt legitimate. Its the radical lefts insurance policy. But we have an insurance policy, too. Its the next election and we intend to win it. I yield back. Gentleman from california. Madam speaker, i recognize the gentleman from vermont, mr. Welch, for two minutes. Gentlemans recognized for two minutes. Madam speaker, we, the people, have a common tie that binds us together. Now, as it has since the founding of our country. And its our shared respect for the constitution of the United States. Let us all step back from the malstrom of the moment to recall that our countrys inception 243 years ago, the concept of a democratic, selfgoverning rule was a breathtaking and idealistic aspiration. And when the 13 American Colonies boldly rejected the rule of a british monarch, our founders were determined to form a government that would rule, instead, with the consent of the
governed. Ensuring that this noble experiment endured through the ages was an enormous existential challenge. It was met with the adoption of the constitution in 1788. And at its heart are two Bedrock Principles that have served as touchstones for our country ever since. First, it established america as a nation of laws where no person is Above The Law. Second, it established the concept of a separation of powers where three coequal branches of government would check each other. Less power be concentrated in one at the expense of liberty to all. Mr. Madam speaker, when President Trump abused the power of his office by soliciting foreign interference in the upcoming election for his personal benefit, he willfully infringed upon the right of citizens to decide who will lead our nation. And in doing so, he placed
himself Above The Law and in violation of his oath. And when he denounced, denied, and defied the Clear Authority of congress to investigate his conduct, he repudiated our constitutional system of checks and balances. And further violated his oath to preserve, protect, and defend the constitution. And it is for these reasons, i will cast my vote in favor of impeaching president donald john trump. I yield back. Gentleman from georgia. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I yield two minutes to the gentleman from arizona, mr. Biggs. Gentlemans recognized for two minutes. Thank you, madam chair. Some of my colleagues across the aisle have said where are the facts . As if we have the burden of proof. Its your burden of proof, madam chair. Its the democrats burden of proof. The facts are unchanged. The ukraine received aid they were promised and appropriated for. The aid was lawfully dispersed. In fact, it was dispersed within the time limits set by this
congress. If you wanted it set sent to them before september 30th, 2019, shouldve put that in the legislation. You did not. The ukrainians gave nothing in return. The ukrainians president said he felt no pressure, no coercion, no duress, no conditionality. But what changed . On the day that the aid was released, two anticorruption measures were signed into law by the Ukrainian President , mr. President zelensky. Democrats have manufactured this sham. And then argue that refusing to cooperate is impeachable. The Supreme Court is currently considering the extent of Executive Privilege when fighting dubious subpoenas. But instead of taking their process to court or waiting for the court to rule on the pending case, the democrats chose to press forward because simply they said, we dont want to wait. We dont have time, they say. But failing to do so is an abuse of power of this institution
that will have grave consequences for our republic. Now, when the other side claims they proceed with soberness, im bemused by media reports that indicate they have been admonished not to do a jig today when they win the vote, which we know they will. I am struck that solemnity of process shouldnt need to have admonition against levity. In this impeachment, democrats have lied about the july 25th call. Met secretly with the whistleblower. Held sovietstyle hearings Behind Closed Doors where the judiciary committee, the committee of jurisdiction, could not attend. Blocked the president s counsel from participating in the factfinding portion of the inquisition. It has been a sham from start to finish and i yield back. Gentleman from california. Madam speaker, i recognize mr. Scott for unanimous consent request. Gentlemans recognized. Madam speaker, i ask
unanimous consent to advise and extend remarks in favor of both articles of impeachment. Without objection. Madam speaker, i recognize mr. Carson, the congressman from indiana for two minutes. Gentlemans recognized for two minutes. Thank you, chair, and thank you, Madam Speaker. You know, Madam Speaker, as we continue and consider this historic impeachment vote, lets be clear. That the president s actions seriously jeopardized not only Americas National security but the security of our closest allies. His actions threatened the goals of the u. S. Led nato alliance. You see, ukraine is a nation working hard to make its democracy stronger. And make no mistake. Ukraine is on the front lines of russian aggression. Thankfully, u. S. Military aid helps ukraine defend itself against russia. And integrate itself into the european community. When our european allies are
stronger, americas stronger. We are better equipped to promote democracy and put a stop to tyranny. But to President Trump, strengthening this valuable National Security objective, Madam Speaker, was not as important as smearing a political rival. Madam speaker, we know that he held nearly 400 million of aid to ukraine until president zelensky agreed to help him dig up dirt on his potential 2020 opponent. This aid was approved by congress with strong bipartisan support. President trumps actions hurt american diplomacy and undermined the integrity of our nations promises to our allies. We will not allow our leaders to trade away our National Security. We cannot allow russias continued threats to democracy go unanswered. And we must not allow our own president of these United States to get away with breaking his own Oath Of Office. Madam speaker, that is why we take this solemn, but necessary, vote to impeach. Thank you. And i yield back the balance of my time. Gentleman from georgia. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I yield a minute and a half to the gentleman from ohio. For what period . Minute and a half. Gentlemans recognized for a minute and a half. Thank you, Madam Speaker. This is a sad day for our country. One, that our forefathers warned us against. We have watched this illegitimate Impeachment Process unfold while making a mockery of our constitutional duties. House democrats have conducted the most polarizing Impeachment Process in our nations history. And the men and women i represent are tired of this democratrun house putting political gains above our national interest. House democrats held secret
meetings, withheld important documents, deliberately misrepresented information to the public. It did not give due process to the president. This investigation was unfair and the American People expect more out of congress. The articles of impeachment are not based on facts. But instead, are entirely politicallymotivated. The truth is, there was no pressure put on president zelensky and the transcripts confirm that there was no conditionality. This inquiry has been rigged from the start. Lacking fairness, transparency, and truth. Has been a waste of taxpayers dollars and is based off the opinion of an unnamed whistleblower and hearsay. The accusations in todays proceedings do not align with the facts. This Impeachment Process is out of step with existing precedent for president ial impeachment proceedings. And is not a process i will support. I urge my colleagues to put Country First and vote in opposition to the articles of impeachment. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I yield back. Gentleman from california is recognized. I thank the gentleman. It is now my pleasure to recognize the gentle lady from new york. Chairman maloney is recognized for three minutes. Gentle woman from new york is recognized. Mr. Speaker, i rise today in support of the impeachment of president donald j. Trump. President trump abused the power of his office for his own personal and political gain at the expense of our National Security. President trumps wholesale obstruction of congress is unprecedented, indisputable, and impeachable. President trump is the first president in history to openly and completely defy all aspects of the constitutional Impeachment Process. In an attempt to cover up his
abuse of power, he ordered the entire Exec