January 15, 2020

Torres on Impeachment: The House Upheld Its Oath – Will the Senate?

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today voted to transmit Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress to the U.S. Senate to begin his impeachment trial. The Congresswoman also approved Representatives Adam Schiff (CA-28), Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Zoe Lofgren (CA-16), Hakeem Jefferies (NY-8), Val Demmings (FL-10), Jason Crowe (CO-6) and Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) to serve as managers of the impeachment process moving forward. Rep. Torres released the following statement:

"Members of Congress swore an oath to defend the Constitution, and as these Articles of Impeachment transfer to the Senate, we have upheld our responsibility," Rep. Torres said. "The only question now is whether the Senate will hold a credible trial with evidence and witness testimony, or if they will preside over a coverup kangaroo court intended only to brush President Trump's crimes under the rug."

Today's vote comes just one day after the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Committee on Foreign Affairs provided additional evidence to the Judiciary Committee to be included as part of the official record that will be transmitted to the Senate along with the Articles of Impeachment.

"Evidence continues to mount about President Trump's scheme to coerce the Ukrainian president into delivering political favors, yet Senate Majority Leader McConnell appears eager to ensure that evidence never appears at trial," Torres continued. "While I have great confidence in the seven leaders Speaker Pelosi announced as Impeachment Managers today, I wish I could say the same of Leader McConnell and many Senators in his conference who are tasked with serving as impartial jurors.

"Senators can choose to uphold the rule of law, or help Trump undermine it," Rep. Torres added. "The eyes of history are watching – I urge them to choose wisely."

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