Casten on Resolution to Formalize Impeachment Inquiry into the President
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) voted on H.Res 660, a resolution to formalize the process of pursuing an impeachment inquiry into the President. The resolution provides the path forward for public hearings and provides rules for the format for open hearings in the House Intelligence Committee, including staff-led questioning of witnesses. It also authorizes the public release of deposition transcripts. In June, Casten came out in favor of opening an impeachment inquiry into the President.
Casten said, "Today I joined my colleagues to formalize the process and start the public investigation pursing an impeachment inquiry into the President. I am deeply concerned, based on what we have learned so far about our country's national security risk, involvement of a foreign actor in U.S. elections, and abuse of his position as President to benefit his political success. We must, however, continue to gather all of the information before we prejudge the outcome of an inquiry. As a scientist and a businessman, I believe we must follow the facts to make informed decisions; an inquiry affords that transparency, so long as we do not presume its outcome. By formalizing the process, we are able to do that as well as provide rights to all the actors involved.
"As we come up on a year until the 2020 elections, it is vital that we do everything we can to ensure that our elections are safe, fair, and free from foreign interference. Congress and the American people cannot turn a blind eye when it comes from the President of the United States.
"Protecting our national security and our Constitution is critical right now, and today's vote moves us one step closer to gathering all information. We are not happy to be here, but we do not shirk our Constitutional responsibility."
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