January 15, 2020
U.S. Senate Must Place Principles Above Politics in Impeachment Process
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nancy Rodriguez, media@acslaw.org
Washington, D.C. — The House today voted to transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate, allowing the formal trial of President Trump to begin. This action comes after the House previously voted to impeach the President, citing his abuse of power in the Ukraine scandal and his obstruction of Congress as it exercised its constitutional duty to conduct oversight over the executive branch. Below is the statement of Zinelle October, Interim President of the American Constitution Society.
“Now that the House has upheld its responsibility in the impeachment process, it is the Senate’s turn to do what the founders intended and conduct an open, fair and comprehensive trial to determine whether the President’s actions warrant removal from office. Such a trial should not be rushed or swept aside with disingenuous political maneuvers or dismissal motions.
“A fair trial demands that the Senate hear from pertinent witnesses and review relevant documents, and that all U.S. Senators honor their oath to act as impartial jurors. Doing otherwise would be a national travesty and an affront to the Constitution and our democracy.
“How the Senate conducts itself in the coming days and weeks will have long-lasting effects not only on this presidency and the integrity of the 2020 election, but also on the foundations of our constitutional system for decades to come. The Senate must take the process seriously and place principles above partisan politics.”
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AMERICAN CONSTITUTION SOCIETY
Founded in 2001, the American Constitution Society (ACS) is a leading progressive legal organization with a rapidly growing network of attorneys, law students, scholars, judges, policymakers, and other concerned individuals, dedicated to making the law a force to improve people’s lives. For more information about the organization and its 200+ attorney and law student chapters in 48 states, visit us at www.acslaw.org and 1899 L Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC, 20036.