Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) released the following statement today, Oct. 31, 2019:

“The resolution I supported today sets the rules for public hearings as the House moves forward with the impeachment inquiry. It’s imperative that this critical investigation and the allegations set forth are handled in a transparent manner. This process is consistent with prior precedent, including the process used with Presidents Nixon and Clinton, and establishes opportunities for the President or his counsel to present their case and respond to evidence. My decision-making process will continue to be based on the complete record and all of the facts and evidence laid out. As this investigation goes on, the House can and must also continue to work on the issues that are most important to the everyday lives of Americans.”

President Trump pushing back against media lies that he removed the MLK bust from the White House. Photo courtesy of the Republican Party.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly released this statement concerning her vote opposing the tabling of H. Res. 646, a privileged resolution to impeach President Donald Trump:

“My vote today was a vote for government transparency and decency.

I regularly hear from constituents about the President’s comments, tweets, actions and behavior and their comments are always negative. Many families are rightfully embarrassed and outraged by his consistently un-presidential behavior and remarks.

Even before President Trump took office, serious concerns had been raised about his behavior and actions, especially in regards to Russia’s interference in our election and sowing division amongst Americans.

Despite these concerns, which have been voiced by leaders of both parties and America’s intelligence community, Congress has refused to act. Instead the Republican majority has ignored nearly every call for investigation and oversight.

As a member of the House’s investigative committee, we’ve not held one hearing examining the President’s actions and behavior. This is simply unacceptable.

I will continue pressuring Chairman Gowdy and Speaker Ryan to let Congress, especially the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, do its job.

The American people deserve answers and it’s our job to get them.”

Today, Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) released the following statement on the vote to affirm rules for the next stage of the impeachment inquiry.

“Today’s vote affirms the next steps in the House’s deliberate and thorough impeachment inquiry. With public hearings and unprecedented transparency, the investigation will uncover all the facts to guard against abuses of power at the highest levels of our government and to ensure foreign interference in our elections never happens again. Let me be clear—no one wins when Congress is compelled to investigate unlawful conduct. This is a tragedy for our country, but no one is above the law.”

14th Illinois Congressional District Candidate Lauren Underwood. Photo By: R. Dione Foto (www.rdionefoto.com)

Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) released the following statement after the House passed a resolution to provide clear procedures for the House Intelligence Committee’s inquiry into the president:

“Today’s vote provides a transparent and public path forward for the next steps of this critical fact-finding mission. This search for the truth must be fair, evenhanded and unrushed. I call on my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join us in upholding the rule of law, and to remain focused on the important work at hand to bring down the cost of health care, rebuild our country’s infrastructure and reinvigorate the American economy.”

Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a resolution that establishes procedures for the next phase of the impeachment inquiry into President Trump:

“Today, I voted in support of moving the impeachment inquiry into the next phase, including holding public hearings, allowing the President and his Counsel to participate in the process, and establishing procedures for the transfer of evidence to the Judiciary Committee as it considers potential articles of impeachment. This follows precedents set forth in previous impeachment proceedings taken up by the House.

“The ongoing impeachment inquiry has collected extensive evidence and testimony that paints a disturbing picture of a President who abused his power and violated his oath of office.  It’s time for the American people to learn firsthand about the President’s misconduct and for the House of Representatives to move forward with its constitutional obligation to hold the President accountable.”

Statements from other members of Congress and candidates:

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement today Oct. 31, 2019 after the House passed H.Res.660, establishing the next phase of the impeachment inquiry into President Trump:

“The President of the United States and Republicans in Congress want the American people to view presidential conduct that abuses power, is blatantly corrupt, and undermines our national security as normal. But it’s far from normal: Donald Trump’s actions are a stain on the presidency and violate his oath of office. I, too, swore an oath to ‘support and defend the Constitution’ and my vote today to advance the impeachment inquiry is a step towards fulfilling my constitutional duty. The American people will now hear from witnesses with detailed information about actions taken by this White House and the president that put at risk our national security and the security of the 2020 election. The sole remedy to protect our democracy and citizens from an abusive, dangerous, and corrupt president is impeachment, and we are formally on a path toward impeaching Donald Trump.”