Rep. Scholten Statement on Impeachment Procedural Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten released the following statement on this week's procedural vote to determine whether the House will devote floor time to an impeachment vote on President Trump:

"Impeachment is a solemn constitutional process that requires enough votes to carry out a responsible and credible effort. That effort is going to demand time and thorough investigation. Until those conditions are met, Congress should stay focused on what we can deliver for the American people right now, especially lowering costs.

Today's vote to table the impeachment resolution was a procedural vote, not a vote on the merits of allegations against President Trump. It was about determining how Congress should spend its limited time: whether to pursue an impeachment effort that has not undergone the necessary investigative groundwork in the House, or to focus on delivering results for the people we serve.

Before any impeachment vote occurs, Congress should initiate an impeachment inquiry, conduct extensive fact-finding, review documents and testimony, hold public hearings, and build a clear evidentiary record. Proceeding to an impeachment vote without those foundational steps could undermine the trust the American people place in the process.

Our responsibility is to use our time and authority wisely. That means prioritizing the needs of the people we represent-driving down costs and making government work for every family. Until there is an inquiry that justifies devoting the full weight of Congress to an impeachment process, our focus must remain on delivering real results for everyday Americans."

###