Langevin, Cicilline Support Articles of Impeachment Against Trump

Washington, D.C. –Today the House Judiciary Committee introduced two articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump for Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Congress, with the support of both Rhode Island Congressmen.

Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) laid out the case against Trump during a morning press conference.

“The first article is for Abuse of Power.  It is an impeachable offense for the President to exercise the powers of his public office to obtain an improper personal benefit, while ignoring or injuring the national interest.

“That is exactly what President Trump did when he solicited and pressured Ukraine to interfere in our 2020 Presidential Election—thus damaging our national security, undermining the integrity of the next election, and violating his oath to the American people.  These actions, moreover, were consistent with President Trump’s previous invitations of foreign interference in our 2016 Presidential election.

“And when he was caught—when the House investigated and opened an impeachment inquiry—President Trump engaged in unprecedented, categorical, and indiscriminate defiance of the impeachment inquiry.

“This gives rise to the second article of impeachment for Obstruction of Congress.  Here, too, we see a familiar pattern in President Trump’s misconduct.  A President who declares himself above accountability, above the American people, and above Congress’s power of impeachment—which is meant to protect against threats to our democratic institutions—is a President who sees himself as above the law.

“We must be clear: no one, not even the President, is above the law.”

Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) agreed.

“The facts are beyond dispute. President Trump abused his office, the enormous power of the presidency, to solicit foreign interference in an American election, specifically to help in his re-election. His actions undermined our national security. President Trump put his own personal, political interests ahead of our country’s interest. His conduct makes him a clear and present danger to both our democracy and our national security,” Cicilline said in comments following the announcement of the articles of impeachment.

Congressman Jim Langevin, (D-RI) noted the facts and their duty to the defend the Constitution required his support as well.

“This is a sad day for America,” said Langevin. “While impeaching a president is by no means good news for the nation, as elected officials we must uphold our oath to defend our Constitution and preserve our democracy. After careful consideration of the facts presented, I have decided to support the articles of impeachment proposed by the Judiciary Committee to make sure the president is held accountable and that we protect our nation.”

The full text of the articles is embedded at the following link: Articles of Impeachment Against President Trump